QS ts} :
ia he UOUBoug ey Aw?

Wevedivevurowon ory

aA

Aah

Ca €

Bae <<
CC CCORE

“ares

COCO
CC

CA I OS OGY

GCC £_&
COC CE EEL

KC COKE EC.

CCC C CK

eC COC
ec CO KE

Wy oe . 5 ae WY we
Wii Wag We aeerene ue:
Sh UN “, WAY he te ve!
vy wie edo ie

fi Aiadccadhe

« «
€
C
CC
eee <
cq
c<q
Le <
Cc
SS

CORTE
(

<

Cs 7
mes

es
WES
‘ SG SVE ee |
Ce?
i aa
> Sea! \{
oP ; EA AG
SS CCEC
= LACE %
ba €
> ' ae .
a
f -

y J
AUR. we

eer ernie

Waey : UW *
A wid —_ . )
DANN Jus oy we vy We" a5 bit i. OMA .
Reo Were OUR Uriderruys |: tives
6G GV BS SIO ID DU YO ee ly
uw WW woe Se AAA CATIA RAS Oc OR
S Sh Na MA \ Sy

gee NLU aN ay Wi

at CHE if
Se eoaS,

HF DPD

xz
Re Sst

w
NV)
y
v
ted
yy

wo
Ww;
gf. Nib aoe ne SES 3 shaadi Me oS Se NY hd
Beil oath Tal bi ak See ‘A ie fy hab rN if rh A ak
New
M4

a:

VN
eA arty

wi Pied

- wy 1
TOS ha Ae Gal Ri:

} Yael Fi Wut % <
et)

Tey igi OU
“WEES.
Vivi

vee
eV
WW)

tel
joe aS.
Niet eh Oe

KY
SF
Wy
\
J
VV ~ is
‘ew

WU he
W\

See Be D> ps >>> yy): 3 PPy,

a» ss : < “p 8 2535 2

a 2 ee. an mo tse ae“ x <3 5 / 2 % ee - 4 Ss Sorrel 5% 2? » De

cae RG 22D AY > > ID) 2323 By) 2 > >»? IIP? 2.

— - oa = > = ~ = - 5 = >) = ary =9y; ? pee eo
>> 333 BSS SOD > ~ 2542) Jy SY > ID _» ee > 2
> “PAS Ty ~ = ‘ = -~ ae pt Di is

rg 5

nee et

row, Ls

*
ca
’“ .
* : ]
»
*
’
. i
" a :
ut
+
7
ae
rae '
.
i -
wf f
fy
~ < ng
. ¢ '

iy ae

S
ay

THE ZOOLOGIST FOR 1853.

a
ty,
any ’
oe 4)
~ Be ’
Pong
.
A
ry)
of
r ee
‘
é
*
A %,
4.
t|
‘
¢ ,
+

LONDON
PRINTED BY EDWARD NEWMAN, Y, DEVONSHIRE STREET,
BISHOPSGATE.

THE

SPocL OGis Tf:

A

POPULAR MISCELLANY

Meet URAL MAIS TORY.

CONDUCTED BY

EDWARD NEWMAN, F.L.S., Mens. Imp. L.-C. Acap.

VOLUME THE ELEVENTH.

LONDON: |
JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.

M.DCCC.LIII.

“To him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms, she speaks
A various language ; for his gayer hours
She has a voice of gladness, and a smile
And eloquence of beauty, and she glides
Into his darker musings, with a mild
And healing sympathy, that steals away
Their sharpness, ere he is aware.”

Bryant.

CONTENTS.

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.

Aumonp, G. A.

Captures of Lepidoptera in theneigh-
bourhood of Birkenhead during
the past year, 3776

Barkiz, Witi1am Batrour, M.D.

Catalogue of the Echinodermata of
Orkney, 3811; Additions to the
list of birds of Orkney and Zet-
land, 3843; Catalogue of the
fishes of Orkney and Zetland,
3845, 3950, 4018

Bates, H. W.

Proceedings of Natural-History col-
lectors in foreign countries, 3726,
3801, 3841, 3897, 4113

Beate, S. C. Tress

Lepidoptera taken near Tenterden,

4130
Betz, Tuomas, Sec. R.S., Pres. LS.

Hoopoe near Selborne, 3908 ; Haw-
finch and brambling at Selborne,
4053

Brirxseck, Ropert

Note on the hooded crow, 4124
Biapon, JAMES

Note on vernacular names, 3885
Botp, Tuomas JouHNn

Economy of Crabro cetratus, 3778 ;
Note on the impalement of Geo-
trupes stercorarius, 3919 ; Capture
in the North of England of six
species of Coleoptera new to the
British fauna, 4038; Hobby near
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 4053.

Borrer, W., Jun.

Summer duck in Sussex, Glaucous
gull in Sussex, Various birds in
Sussex, 3832 ; Continental white
wagtail in Sussex, 3908; Masked
gull in Sussex, 3912

Boyp, THomas

Duplicates of Lepidoptera, 3810 ;
Micro-Lepidoptera of the New
Forest, Hampshire, 4131

BRAMLEY, JAMES
Golden orivle at Eltham, 4014
Bree, C. R.

Proposition for the formation of a
Kirby Society, 3799; Note on
the abundance of woodcocks in
particular localities, 3807; Note
on the “Singular Abstinence of a
Spider,” 3809; Anecdote of the
oared shrew, 4047

Bree, Rev. W. T.
Pike and tench, 4124 ; Postscript to
the preceding note, 4126
Breun, A. E.
- On the reproduction of the greater
spotted cuckoo, 3987
Brovueuton, Roperr H.
Little auk near Edinburgh, 3832
Brown, EpwIN

Sooty tern in England, 3755 ; Cap-
ture of Agrotis subgothica in
Nottinghamshire, 3777

Browne, Epmunp

Apteryx in Britain, 3845
Bort, E.

Ivory gull, &c., at Torquay, 3807
Buxton, E. C.

Note on woodcocks nesting in Su-
therlandshire, and carrying their
young in their claws, 4017

Buxton, E. C., Jun.

Captures of Lepidoptera at Chorley,

4037
Carcuroot, T., Jun.

Note on the carnivorous propensities

of the hedgehog, 4008

b

Cxiark, THomas

Sphinx Convolvuli at Bridgwater,
Larva of Acherontia Atropos feed-
ing on the tuber of the potato,
Larva of Cerula Vinula using
fragments of potato in its cocoon,
4107

C.irForp, Joun R. S.

Note on Cerura Vinula, Note on
Hemerophila abruptaria, Mode of
killing Neuroptera, 4133

Cotes, Roser
Note on the “ yellow boa,” 3757
Covucn, Jonatuan, F.LS., &c.

Notes on the habits of some species

of bats, 3936
Crewe, H. Harpur

Otter in Derbyshire, 3905; Note
on Lepidoptera bred from larve,
4037; Note on the spawning of
frogs and toads, 4097

Crisp, Epwarps, M.D.

Note on the Acarus of the hornbill,

3916
DANIELL, GEORGE

Notice of the habits of Myrmica
domestica, Shuck ; together with
some account of a means of turn-
ing the industry of this minute
ant to account in the preparation
of skeletons of small animals,
3769

Desy, JULIAN

Short extracts from a journal of a
voyage made to Central America
in 1852, 3929

Dove tas, J. W.

Notes respecting Acherontia Atro-
pos, 3776; Inquiry respecting
certain appendages to the haus-
tellum of diurnal Lepidoptera,
3809; Entomological localities,
3998

Donn, Ropert

Rook in Shetland, 3908; Little gull

in Shetland, 3911
Epwarp, THomas

Additional note on the spider that
lived twelve months without food,
4074

Firt, GEoRGE
Note on the nest of the great tit
built in a pump, 4014
Foortit, W. F.
Caspian tern in Lincolnshire, 3946
FREDERICK, GEORGE

White-winged black tern near Yar-

mouth, 3911
GARDNER, JAMES
Osprey at Weybridge, 4072

GARLAND, JOHN

Mountain finch, near Dorchester,
3982 ; Note on the reproduction
of the frog, 3989 ; Note on Ache-
rontia Atropos, 4001; Dotterel
near Dorchester, 4053; Note on
the woodcock, 4124

Gorpon, Rev. GEorGE

List of the Echinodermata hitherto
met with in the Moray Firth,
3781; Note on a variety of the
plaice, 4100; Caprella levis in
the Moray Firth, 4106

Gossg, P. H.

Eolis Landsburgii at Weymouth,
3916; Notes on the habits of
Sepiola vulgaris, 3993

GREEN, JAMES

Capture of the blue-throated warb-
ler in Kent, Nest and eggs of
Savis warbler, 3945; Note on
the thrush warbler, 4014; Mon-
tagu’s harrier in Woolwich
marshes, 4094; Nutcracker at
Yurmouth, 4096

Gurney, J. H.

Note on the late occurrence of the
blackcap warbler, 3753 ; Note on
a variety of the green woodpecker,
3800; Anecdote of a cat and a
kestrel hawk, 3905; Note on the
geographical distribution of Acci-
piter Tachiro and Terekia cinerea,
Golden oriole in Norfolk, 3906;
Note on the supposed occurrence
of the Apteryx in Anglesea, and
on the capture of Galbula rufi-
cauda in Lincolnshire, 3944;
Note on the occurrence of the
knot sandpiper on the Norfolk
coast, in the summer plumage,
3946; Note on the red-backed
shrike destroying small birds,
3981; Note on a wingless bird
said to inhabit the island of Tris-
tan d’Acunha, 4017 ; Anecdote of
the power of fascination as exer-
cised by a fox, with some remarks
on the exercise of a similar power
by other predaceous animals,
4049; Note on the vulture or
eagle which is said to attack the
trained falcons of the Asiatic fal-
coners, 4052 ; Rose-coloured pas-
tor near Norwich, 4053 ; Note on
the occurrence in Sweden of Plu-
vianus Aigyptius, 4096; Note on
a white variety of the common
tern, Note on the occurrence of
the pectoral sandpiper and unut-

- Vil

cracker near Yarmouth, 4124 ;
Anecdote of a cow sucked by two
hedgehogs, 4151

GuRNEY, SAMUEL, JUN.

Note on the conveyance of fish-
spawn to New Zealand, 3808

Harris, Rev. GEoRGE

Notes on the Ophiuride obtained
from the Moray Firth, off Gamrie,
Banffshire, and Pennan, Aber-
deenshire, 4137

Hawker, Rev. Witiiam Henry, M.A.

Discovery of Helix obvoluta in
Hampshire, 3764; Note on large
snakes, 3849; Note on wood-
cocks’ nests in the forest of Bere,
and in Highden Wood, Hants,
3909 ; Kite at Horndean, Hants,
3945; Capture of Diphthera
Orion in Hampshire, 4001 ; Note
on a large viper, 4018

Hawkins, Rev. R. W.
Cherocampa Celerio in Stafford-
shire, 3777
Haw ey, Joun R.
Snakes with two heads, 4158
Hewirson, Wittiam C.

Note on the cole titmouse, Swallows

in November, 3753
Hogan, ArtHour R.

Inquiry respecting certain appeu-
dages to the haustellum of diur-
nal Lepidoptera, 3775 ; Larva of
Diglossa mersa at Baldoyle, Ire-
land, 3811; Catalogue of Coleo-
ptera found in the neighbourhood
of Dublin, 4134

Hoce, Jonny, F.LS.

On the artificial introduction of a
breed of salmon into the river
Swale, and a tributary stream in
Yorkshire, 3758

Hussey, Rev. Arrucr, M.A.

Note on frogs and toads inclosed in
stones, 3848 ; Red-necked phala-
rope at Rottingdean, 4096

Irpy, L. H.

Note on the early appearance of the
quail, Stone curlew near Thet-
ford, 3909 ; Notes on the habits
of the green sandpiper, 3988

Jarman, D. F.

Capture of Aphanisticus pusillus in

November, 4134
Jounson, Rev. J.

Chrymodes Templi near Hudders-
field, 3777; Note on the bram-
bling finch, 3908 ; Note on the
abundance of woodcocks, 3909 ;
Capture of Plutella Dalella, 4077

Kinauan, Joun Ropert

Note ov the singing of birds in
spring and summer in Ireland,
3980; Capture of the spiny cross-
fish in Dalkey Sound, Ireland,
Muller's top-knot in Dalkey
Sound, 3990; Reddish-gray bat
in Ireland, 4012; Inquiry respect-
ing the unknown eggs lately
fuund near Norwich, 4014; Note
on Uraster glacialis and Muller’s
top-knot, 4021

Kine, Epwarp L.

Green sandpiper near Lynn, 3807;

Lump sucker at Lynn, 3913
Kine, Wititam DouBLEeDAY

List of land and fresh-water shells
found in the neighbourhood of
Sudbury, 3913

Knapp, WILLIAM
Woodcock breeding in England,
3754
Locan, R. F.
Agrotis lunigera in Scotland, 3777
Marruews, Rev. A., M.A.

Remarks on Scolopax Delamotti,

3729
Mrapg, R. H.

Voracity of the larva of a beetle,
3780; Note on the abstinence of
spiders, 3917

Mores, A. G.

Black redstart at Bembridge, 3753 ;
Puffin in winter off the Isle of
Wight, 3755 ; Note on the black
redstart, 3907; Correction of a
previous error respecting the fire-
crested Regulus, 4014; Migratory
birds in the Isle of Wight, 4094

Newnan, Epwarp, F.L.S., Z.S., &c.

Mx. Stephens’ entomological library
and collection, 3864; Vespertilio
emarginatus, 4012 ; Proposed di-
vision of Neuroptera into two
classes, Appendix, clxxxi.

Newman, H. W.

On “robber-bees,” as described by
O. Pickard-Cambridge, Esq.,
3766; Hive bees in want of a
queen, Do bees look out at
swarming-time fora place to go
to, 3779 ; Note on toads devour-
ing hive bees, 4097; On the
scarcity of Hymenopterous in-
sects in certain localities, parti-
cularly the Bombi, in 1853, 4133

Newton, ALFRED

Note on the supposed abundance of
woodcocks in Norfolk, 3754; The
sea-serpent, 3756; Reddish-gray

vill

bat in Suffolk, 3804; Note on
singularly placed nests of the
pheasant and red-legged par-
tridge, 4073; Correction of a
previous error respecting the
masked gull, 4074

Norman, ALFRED MERLE

Land and fresh-water Mollusca of
Oxford and its neighbourhood,
3761; Note on the reproduction
of frogs, 3912; Limax Gagates
near Tenby, S. Wales, 4048 ;
Note on the late nidification of
birds, 4072; Notes on the Ox-
fordshire shells, 4126

PickaRD-CAMBRIDGE, Octavius

On “ Robber-bees;” the phenome-
non thus denominated attributed
tu the presence of the honey-moth,
3746; Abstinence of a spider,
3766; Skin of a large snake,
3809 ; Note on the supposed total
abstinence of a spider, 3882 ;
Woodcocks breeding in this coun-
try, 3910; Note on ihe supposed
late appearance of insects, 4129

Pant, JOHN
Toads in stone, 3808
PLAnt, N.

Proceedings of Natural-History col-

lectors in foreign countries, 3723
Powys, Hon. T. L.

Captures of various birds in Oxford-
shire, 3805 ; Sandwich tern near
Oxford, 3946

Ropp, Epwarp HEARLE

Long-eared ow] and fire-crested Re-
gulus near Penzance, Supposed
occurrence of the rufous swallow
near Penzance, 3753; Unusually
large woodcock, 3754 ; Fork-
tailed petrel near Penzance, 3756;
Stone plover near Penzance,
3815; Fire-crested Regulus near
Penzance, 3845; Gray-headed
wagtail near Penzance, 3919;
Note on the song of the willow
wren and chiff-chaff, 3943 ; Rose-
coloured pastor at the Land’s
End, 3945; Temminck’s stint
near Penzance, 4053; Roller near
the Land’s End, 4123

Rose, Jonn, A.M., M.D.

Notice of the decease of the Rev.
James Smith, of Monquhitter,
3814 ; Onychoteuthis Banksii at
Banff, N.B., 3864

Sana, JoHN

Psecadia funerella in Yorkshire,

Hypercallia Christiernana at Cas-
tle Eden, 4001

_ Sarernt, Epwarp H.

Pennant’s globe-fish near Ardmore,

Co. Waterford, 3848
Scott, JOHN

A plan suggested to promote Ento-
mology in Scotland, and another
to assist the student, 3773 ; Food
and transformation of the larva of
Elachista locupletella, 3778 ; Are
Telephorus rusticus and T. livi-
dus the male and female of one
species? 3919; Notes on a short
excursion to Rannoch, 4075 ; Note
on the larva of Eudorea murana,
4077

SHIELD, RicHaRD

New locality for Eudorea lineola,
and note on the larve, 3778 ;
List of Micro-Lepidoptera taken
in the vicinity of Dublin during
the year 1853, 4152

Sianey, W. H.

Jackdaws taking the eggs and young
of other birds to feed their own
young with, 3983; Note on tench
and pike, 4020; Notes on squir-
rels, 4051; Further note on tench
and pike, 4100

SmirH, Rev. Atrrep Cuartes, M.A,

Collared pratincole in Wiltshire,
3843; On the persecution of
birds and animals, unhappily so
general in this country, 3901;
Note on a partridge’s nest in a
stubble-rick, 3945; Young ducks
nursed by a cat, 3946; Observa-
tions on the general colour and
the occasional variations in the
plumage of birds, 3969; Obser-
vations on the harmlessness of
the hedgehog, 4009; Note on the
nesting of the reed-wren, 4095

SmirH, FreDERICK
Notes on the Hymenoptera of South-
end and its vicinity, 4077
SpopDk, JoOsIAH
Apteryx at large in Wales, 3815
Stainton, H. T.

An introduction to the study of the
Nepticule, 3952; A glance at the
present state of our knowledge of
the Coleophore, 4025

STEELE, Lieut.-Con. Tuos.
The great sea-serpent, 3756
Stepuens, J. F., F.LS., Z.S., &c.

Reply to Mr. Doubleday’s “ Notes

on Mr. Stephens’ ‘Catalogue of

Lepidopterous Insects in the Ca-
binet of the British Museum,
(Tortrices),” 3733
STEPHENSON, J. W.
Blue-throated warbler, little auk,
and black redstart, near Worthing,
in Sussex, 3907
Srevenson, H.
Unknown eggs lately found in the
neighbourhood of Norwich, 3981;
Note on the late appearance of
the common scoter, 3989; Note
on the unknown eggs found near
Norwich, Note on the grasshopper
warbler, 4072; Correction of an
error in a note on the grasshopper
warbler, 4095
Tay.or, JAMES
List of the land and fresh-water
Mollusca found in Aberdeenshire
and Kincardineshire, 3878
Tempter, WILu1aM F.
On the geographical distribution of
the British Mollusca, 3990
THompson, WILLIAM
Description of a young lobster mea-
suring only nine lines, 3765;
Golden oriole near Weymouth,
3906; Hoopve in May,’in the
Isle of Portland, 3909 ; Note on
a monstrosity in ‘the earth-worm,
4001 ; Description of a specimen
of the lesser forked beard, with
an announcement of the occur-
rence of that and two other rare
British fishes at Weymouth, 4097 ;
Rosy feather-star, &c., at Wey-
mouth, 4108; General Natural-
History Society, 4117
Tomes, Rosert F
Note on ,the copulation of swifts,
3943
Tristram, Rev. H. B.
Little auk in the city of Durham,

3755 ; Water-shrew at Castle
Eden, 3905 ; Jacamar in Lincoln-
shire, 3906; Great snipe near
Durham, 3911; Note on the
grasshopper warbler, 4123
WAKEFIELD, R., F.L.S., &c.

Note on robber bees, 3769; Gaster-
osteus leiurus, or probably G.
trachurus, 3760; Swallows in
November, 3806; Myrmica do-
mestica, 3810

Watcort, W. H.L.

Note on the scarcer species of An-
drena being found on the catkins
of the willow, 3780

Watuace, ALFRED R.

Some remarks on the habits of the

Hesperide, 3884
Wa.pote, Wituiam WHITE

Catalogue of the land and fresh-
water shells inhabiting the neigh-
bourhood of Dublin, 4022; Cata-
logue of marine Mollusca inha-
biting the Dublin coast, 4101

Warineton, Ropert

Note on his aquarium, 3881; On
preserving the balance between
the animal and vegetable or-
ganisms in sea water, 4118

Wayne, W. H.
Susceptibility to cold of Sylvia Tro-
chilus, 3907
Wess, G. J.
The osprey in siintey, 3753
Wot.ey, Epwarp
Otter in various localities, 3843
Wo ttey, Joun

Supposed occurrence of a specimen
of the Severn swallow at Derby
in 1850, 3806

YARRELL, WILLIAM

Petrel new to Britain on the West

coast of Ireland, 3947

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF SUBJECTS.

Acarus of the hornbill, 3916

Accipiter Tachiro, geographical distri-
bution of, 3906

Acherontia Atropos, notes respecting,
3776, 4001; feeding on the tuber
of the potato, 4107

Achlainomus ebeninus, 3826

Acipenseride, 3846

Adams, Henry and Arthur, ‘ Shells and
their Inhabitants,’ 3818, 3860, 4063,
4090, 4151

Agrotis lunigera in Scotland, 3777

subgothica in Nottinghamshire,

3777

Alge, fresh-water, stellate bodies occur-
ring in the cells of, 3892

Alopiide, 3846

Anuarrhichadide, 3951

Andrena, scarcer species of found on the
catkins of the willow, 3780

Anecdote of a cat and kestrel hawk, 3905 ;
of the oared shrew, 4047; of the
power of fascination as exercised by
a fox, 4049

Animal, warm-blooded, reproduction of
the lower extremities in, 4068

Animals, persecution of, 3901; predace-
ous, power of fascination exercised
by, 4049

Animal and vegetable organisms in sea
water, 4118

‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural His-
tory,’ 3815, 3858, 3870, 3900, 4039,
4062, 4088, 4150

Anobium striatum, perforation of a cis-
tern by, 3781

Anomearthria ceruleipennis, 3828

Anthophorabia, ocelli in the genus, 4038

Aphanisticus pusillus, capture of in No-
vember, 4134

Apteryx at large in Wales, 3815; in
Britain, 3845 ; note on, 3944

Aquarium, Mr. Warington’s, note on,
3881

Asteriide, 3812

Asterinide, 3812

Astropectenide, 3812

9

Auk, little, in the city of Durham, 3755 ;
near Edinburgh, 3832; near Wor-
thing, 3907

Balistide, 3847

Bat, reddish-gray, in Suffolk, 3804; in
Treland, 4012

Bats, habits of some species of, 3936

Bees, hive, in want of a queen, 3779;
do they look for a place to go to at
swarming time? 3779 ; devoured by
toads, 4097, 4110

Beetle, voracity of the larva of a, 3780

Bird, wingless, said to inhabit the island
of Tristan d’Acunha, 4017

Birds, various, in Oxfordshire, 3805 ;
migration of, and other natural phe-
nomena, 3805; various, in Sussex,
3832; of Orkney and Zetland, ad-
ditions to the list of, 3843 ; persecu-
tion of, 3901; autumnal songs of,
3962 ; general colour of, and occa-
sional variations in their plumage,
3969; singing of in spring and sum-
mer in Ireland, 3980; small, de-
stroyed by red-backed shrike, 3981 ;
eggs and young of, taken by jack-
daws to feed their own young with,
3983 ; late nidification of, 4072 ;
migratory, in the Isle of Wight,
4094

Blenniide, 3950

Boa, yellow, note on, 3757

Bob-o-link, 3982

Bombi, scarcity of in certain localities,
4133

Brambling at Selborne, 4053

Bramblings, flight of at Torquay, 3807

‘ British Animals in the Collection of the
British Museum,’ 3859

British Association for the Advancement
of Science, proceedings of, 4067

Brosmiide, 4018

Bustard, great, habits and structure of,
4015

Callionymide, 3950

Caprella levis in the Moray Firth, 4106

Cat, young ducks nursed by, 3946

Cat and kestrel hawk, anecdote of, 3905

‘Catalogue of Lepidopterous Insects in
the Cabinet of the British Muse-
um, 3733

Central America, extracts from a journal
of a voyage to, 3929

Centronotide, 3951

Cerura Vinula, larva of, using fragments
of potato in its cocoon, 4107; pupa
of, note on, 4133

Chetectetorus spinipennis, 3831

Chelotonyx Batesii, 3828

Chiff-chaff, song of, 3943

Chimeride, 3846

Cheerocampa Celerio in Staffordshire,
3777

Chrymodes Templi near Hudderstield,
3777

Cidaride, 3812

Clupeide, 4020

Coccidez, diseases produced by on the
olive, 3800

Coleophore, present state of our know-
ledge of, 4025

Coleoptera, six new species of, captured
in the North of England, 4038;
catalogue of, found in the neigh-
bourhood of Dublin, 4134

Comatula rosea, 4137

Conferva, utricular structure of the en-
dochrome in a species of, 4068

Cottide, 3952

Cow sucked by hedgehogs, 4151

Crab, soldier, 3853; calling, 3854

Crabro cetratus, economy of, 3778

Cross-fish, spiny, in Dalkey Sound, Ire-
land, 3990

Crow, hooded, note on, 4124

Cubicosomus Whitei, 3827

Cuckoo, greater spotted, reproduction of,
3987

Curlew, stone, near Thetford, 3909

Cuveriida, 3813

Cyclo-Labridz, 4019

Cyclopteride, 3950

Dalyell, Sir John Graham, ‘ Powers of
the Creator displayed in the Crea-
lion, 4090

Desborough, J. G., ‘ Duration of Life in
the Queen, Drone, and Worker of
the Honey Bee, 4063

Diatomacee found in the vicinity of Hull,
4069

Diglossa mersa, larve of at Baldoyle, in
Ireland, 3811

Diphthera Orion in Hampshire, 4001

Dotterell near Dorchester, 4053

Drepanoderes fuscus, 3828

viridifasciatus, 3827

9

Dublin Natural-History Society, pro-
ceedings of, 3926, 3962, 4005

Duck, summer, in Sussex, 3832 ; Baha-
ma, 3840; black-coloured, descrip-
tion of, 3896

Ducks, young, nursed by a cat, 3946

‘ Duration of Life in the Queen, Drone,
and Worker of the Honey Bee,’ 4063

Eagle or vulture said to attack the trained
falcon of the Asiatic falconers, 4052

Earth, diatomaceous, found in the Isle
of Mull, 3893

Earth-worm, monstrosity in the, 4001

Echinide, 3813

Echinodermata, list of, met with in the
Moray Firth, 3781 ; of Orkney, ca-
talogue of, 3811

Ectemnorhinus viridis, 3827

Eggs of Savi’s warbler, 3945 ; unknown,
lately found in the neighbourhood
of Norwich, 3981; inquiry respect-
ing, 4014; note on, 4072

Elachista locupletella, food and transfor-
mation of its larva, 3778

Enaptorhinus Sinensis, 3826

Entomological Club, 4008

Entomological library and collection of
the late Mr J. F. Stephens, 3864

Entomological localities, 3998

Entomological Society, proceedings of,
3751, 3785, 3820, 3862, 3887, 3920,
3961, 4002, 4042, 4065, 4108, 4139

Entomology in Scotland, a plan sug-
gested to promote it, and another to
assist the student, 3773

Eolis Landsburgii at Weymouth, 3916

Eudorea lineola, new locality for, and
note on the larve, 3778

» murana, note on the larva of,

4077

Euryalide, 3811

Eurychirus bituberculatus, 3827

Falcons, trained, attacked by the eagle
or vulture, 4052

Fascination, power of, as exercised by
the fox, 4049

Feather-star, rosy, at Weymouth, 4108

Finch, brambling, note on, 3908; moun-
tain, near Dorchester, 3982

Fish-spawn, conveyance of to New Zea-
land, 3808

Fishes of Orkney and Zetland, 3845,
3950, 4018

Forked beard, lesser, description of a
specimen of, 4097

Fox, anecdote of the power of fascination
as exercised by the, 4049

Frogs, reproduction of, 3871, 3912, 3989 ;
spawning of, 4097

Frogs and toads inclosed in stones, 3848

Fungus and masses of crystalline matter
in an oak tree, 3892

Gadide, 4019

Galbula ruficauda in Lincolnshire, 3096,
3944

Galeide, 3846

Gasterosteidex, 3951

Gasterosteus leiurus (?), note on, 3760

General Natural-History Society, 4117

Geotrupes stercorarius, note on the im-
palement of, 3919

German Association for the Advance-
ment of Science, 4152

Globe-fish, Pennant’s, near Ardmore,
3848

Glochinorhinus Doubledayi, 3829

Glow-flies, 3854

Gobiide, 3950

Gosse, Philip Henry, ‘A Naturalist’s So-
journ in Jamaica,’ 3850, 3185 “Sur
Naturalist’s Rambles on the Devon-
shire Coast,’ 4054, 4081

Guillemot, bridled, shot near North Ber-
wick, 3793

Gull, ivory, at Torquay, 3807; glaucous,
in Sussex, 3832 ; little, in Shetland,
3911; masked, in Sussex, 3912;
correction of a previous error re-
specting, 4074

Gymnetride, 3951

Gymnodontide, 3847

Harrier, Montagu’s, in Woolwich marsh-
es, 4094

Hawfinch at Selborne, 4053

Hedgehog, carnivorous propensities of,
4008; observations on the harm-
lessness of, 4009

Hedgehogs sucking a cow, 4151

Helix obvoluta in Hampshire, 3764

Hemerophila abruptaria, note on, 4133

Herrings in the Lakes of Killarney, 3847

Hesperidw, remarks on the habits of,
3884

Hippocampide, 3847

‘ History of British Crustacea,’ 4142

Hobby near Newcastle-on-Tyne, 4053

Hooded crow, 4124

Hoopoe near Selborne, 3908; in the Isle
of Portland in May, 3909

Hornbill, note on the Acarus of, 3916

Humming-bird, long-tailed, 3853

Hybophorus rufo-tuberosus, 3831

Hymenoptera of Southend and its vici-
nity, 4077

Hypercallia Christiernana at Castle-
Eden, 4001

Ichneumon Atropos, 4037

Imperial L.-C. Academy, election of Fel-
lows, 3920, 4156

xu

‘ Insecta Saundersiana,’ 3859

Insects, Lepidopterous, in the collection
of the British Museum, 3738, 3859 ;
Neuropterous, in the collection of
the British Museum, 3859; impaled,
3863 ; from the Rocky Mountains,
3893 ; mode of destroying, 3921;
supposed late appearance of, 4129 ;
Hymenopterous, scarcity of, in cer-
tain localities, 4133

Insect-wax of China, 3820

Isle of Wight Philosophical and Scien-
tific Society, proceedings of, 3798

Jacamar in Lincolnshire, 3906

Jackdaws taking the eggs and young of
other birds to feed their own young
with, 3983

Journal of a voyage to Central America,
3929

Kestrel hawk and cat, anecdote of, 3905

Kirby Society, proposition for the forma-
tion of, 3799

Kite at Horndean, 3945

Labrus carneus, 4100

» _variegatus, 4100

Lamnide, 3846

Larva of Eudorea lineola, 3778 ; of Ela-
chista locupletella, 3778; of a beetle,
voracity of, 3780; of Diglossa mer-
sa at Baldoyle, Ireland, 3811; of
Polyommatus Artaxerxes, 3863; of
Eudorea murana, 4077; of Ache-
rontia Atropos feeding on the tuber
of the potato, 4107 ; Cerura Vinula
using fragments of potato in its co-
coon, 4107

Larve, Lepidoptera bred from, 4037

Lasiocarnpa Trifolii, pupa of, parasitic
moth found in, 4109

Leach, William Elford, ‘ Molluscorum
Britannice Synopsis,’ 3817

Lepidoptera, diurnal, inquiry respecting
certain appendages to the haustel-
lum of, 3755 ; replies thereto, 3809,
3862 ; captures of in the neighbour-
hood of Birkenhead, 3776 ; dupli-
cates of, 3810; digging for pupe
of, 3888 ; note on, bred from larve,
4037; captures of, at Chorley, 4037 ;
taken near Tenterden, 4130

Leptoderus angustatus, 3824
* sericeus, 3824

Leptostethus marginatus, 3826

iz Waltoni, 3826

Limax Gagates near Tenby, 4048

Lizard, Venus, 3856

Lobster, young, measuring only nine
lines, 3765

Lophiide, 3950

Man-of-war-birds, 3852

X11

Merlucciide, 4018

Micro-Lepiduptera of the New Forest,
Hampshire, 4131; taken in the vi-
cinity of Dublin, 4152

Microscopic objects, application of pho-
tography to the representation of,
3787

Microscopical Society, proceedings of,
3786, 3892

Mollusca, land and fresh-water of Oxford
and its neighbourhood, 3761; found
in Aberdeenshire and Kincardine-
shire, 3878; British, geographical
distribution of, 3990; marine, inha-
biting the Dublin coast, 4101

‘Molluscorum Britannice Synopsis,’
3817

Monstrosity in the earth-worm, 4001

Moth, parasitic (?), found in the pupa of
Lasiocampa Trifolii, 4109

Mugilide, 3951

Murenide, 4020

Myrmica domestica, notice of the habits
of, 3769, 3810

Natural-History collectors
countries, proceedings
3801, 3841, 3897, 4113

‘ Natural History of the Birds of Ire-
land, 4149

‘ Naturalist’s Rambles on the Devonshire
Coast, 4054, 4081

‘ Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica, 3850,
3865

‘Nature, Animated, Life amidst the va-
rious Forms of the humbler tribes
of” 4090

Nees von Esenbeck, Professor, subscrip-
tion for, 3721

Nepticule, introduction to the study of,
3952

Nest of the woodcock, 3909; of Savi’s
warbler, 3945 ; of a partridge ina
stubble-rick, 3945 ; of the great tit
built in a pump, 4014 ; of pheasant
and red-legged partridge, 4073 ;_ of
reed-wren, 4095

Neuroptera, mode of killing, 4133 ; pro-
posed division of into two classes,
Appendix, clxxxi.; characters of,
clx xxiii.

‘ Neuropterous Insects in the Collection
of the British Museum, 3859

Niphargus stygius, note on, 4024

Nutcracker at Yarmouth, 4096; near
Yarmouth, 4124

Ocelli in the genus Anthophorabia, 4038

Octopus octopodia, 3837

On preserving the balance between ani-
mal and vegetable organisms in sea
water, 4118

in foreign
of, 3723,

Oniscus Armadillo, 4111
Onychoteuthis Banksii at Banff, 3864
Ophiide, 4019
Ophiocoma Ballii, 4137
35 bellis, 4138
re brachiata, 4137
= granulata, 4137
o rosula, 4139
Ophiuride, 3811, 4137
Ophiura albida, 4137
as texturata, 4137
Oriole, golden, in Norfolk, 3906; near
Weymouth, 3906 ; at Eltham, 4014
Osprey in Surrey, 3753; at Weybridge,
4072
Otter in various localities, 3843 ; in Der-
byshire, 3905
Owl, long-eared, near Penzance, 3753
Oxfordshire shells, notes on, 4126
Oxyrhynchus Fortuni, 3825
5 Philippensis, 3825
Partridge, Chukar, 3754 ; nest of, ina
stubble-rick, 3945 ; red-legged, sin-
gularly placed nest of, 4073
Pastor, rose-coloured, at the Land’s End,
3945 ; near Norwich, 4053
Pectoral sandpiper, 4124
Pelicans, 3852
Pentacrinitide, 3811
Pentactide, 3813
Petrel, fork-tailed, near Penzance, 3756;
new to Britain on the West coast of
Treland, 3947
Petromyzontide, 4020
Pezichus binotatus, 3829
Phalarope, red-necked, at Rottingdean,
4096
Pheasant, singularly placed nest of, 4073
Pike and tench, notes on, 4020, 4100,
4124, 4126
Placoderes variegatus, 3827
Plagiocorynus quadrituberculatus, 3830
Plaice, variety of, 4100
Plants of the carboniferous period, 3833
Pleuronectide, 4018
Plover, stone, near Penzance, 3815
Plutella Dalella, capture of, 4077
Pluvianus Agyptius in Sweden, 4096
Polyommatus Artaxerxes, larva of, 3863
‘Powers of the Creator displayed in the
Creation, 4090
Pratincole, collared, in Wiltshire, 3843
Priapulide, 3814
‘ Proceedings of the Berwickshire Natu-
ralists’ Club,’ 3874
Protopalus Schénherri, 3829
Protopterus Chevrolatii, 3829
* Jeckelii, 3830
Parryi, 3830
Westwoodii, 3830

Cc

3°
”

X1V

Psecadia funerella in Yorkshire, 4001

Puffin in winter off the Isle of Wight,
3755

Quail, early appearance of, 3909

Raiide, 3845

Raniceps trifurcatus, 4097

Rannoch, notes on a short excursion to,
4075

Redstart, black, at Bembridge, 3753 ;
at Torquay, 3807; near Worthing,
3907 ; near Bembridge, 3907

Reed-wren, nesting of, 4095

Regulus, fire-crested, at Penzance, 3753,
3845 ; correction of a previous er-
ror respecting, 4014

Reply to Mr. Doubleday’s “ Notes on
Mr. Stephens’s ‘Catalogue of Le-
pidopterous Insects in the British
Museum, ” 3733

Robber bees, the phenomenon thus de-
nominated attributed to the presence
of the honey-moth, 3746 ; remarks
on, 3766, 3769

Roller near the Land’s End, 4123

Rook in Shetland, 3908

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh,
proceedings of, 3788, 3833, 3893

Salmon, artificial introduction of a breed
of into the river Swale, and a tri-
butary stream in Yorkshire, 3758

Salmonide, 4019

Sandpiper, green, near Lynn, 3807;
knot, on the Norfolk coast, in the
summer plumage, 3946; green, ha-
bits of, 3988; pectoral, near Yar-
mouth, 4124

Scienide, 3952

Scolopax Delamotti, remarks on, 3729

Scomberesocide, 4019

Scomberide, 3951

Scorpenide, 3952

Scoter, common, late appearance of in
Norfolk, 3989

Scutellide, 3813

Scylliide, 3846

Scymnide, 3846

Sea-serpent, great, 3756; extract from
an officer's letter respecting, 3756

Sepiola vulgaris, notes on the habits of,
3993

Sheath-claw, smooth, 3866

‘Shells and their Inhabitants, 3818,
3860, 4063, 4090, 4151

Shells, land and fresh-water, found in
the neighbourhood of Sudbury,
3913; inhabiting the neighbourhood
of Dublin, 4022 ; Oxfordshire, notes
on, 4126

Shrew, oared, anecdote of, 4047

Shrike, red-backed, destroying small
birds, 3981

Sipunculide, 3814

Smith, Rev. James, of Monquhitter, no-
tice of the decease of, 3814

Snake, large, skin of, 3809

Snakes, large, note on, 3849

Snakes with two heads, 4153

Snipe, great, near Durham, 3911

Society of British Entomologists, pro-
ceedings of, 3797, 3923, 4007, 4070,
4141

Song of willow wren and chiff-chaff,
3943 ; autumnal, of birds, 3962

Sparide, 3951

Spatangide, 3813

Sphinx Convolvuli at Bridgwater, 4107

Spider, abstinence of, 3766; notes on,
3809, 3882, 3883, 3917, 4074

Spinacide, 3846

Squalide, 3846

Squatinide, 3845

Squirrels, notes on, 4051

Star, rosy feather, at Weymouth, 4108

Stegoptera, characters of, Appendix,
clxxxili.

Stint, Temminck’s, near Penzance, 4053

Strickland, H. E., death of, 4080

Sucker, lump, at Lynn, 3913

Swallow, rufous, supposed occurrence of,
near Penzance, 3753 ; Severn, sup-
posed occurrence of a specimen of
at Derby, 3806

Swallows in November, 3753, 3806

Swifts, copulation of, 3943

Swift-foot, painted, 3852

Sylvia Trochilus, susceptibility to cold
of, 3907

Sympiezocelus Spencei, 3831

Synaptonyx ovatus, 3828

Syngnathide, 3846

Telephorus rusticus and T. lividus, in-
quiry respecting, 3919

Tench and pike, notes on, 4020, 4100,
4124, 4126

Terekia cinerea, geographical distribu-
tion of, 3906

Termes lucifugus, ravages of, 3922

Tern, sooty, in England, 3755 ; white-
winged black, near Yarmouth, 3911 ;
Caspian, in Lincolnshire, 3946 :
Sandwich, near Oxford, 3946; com-
mon, white variety of, 4124

Tetralophus sculpturatus, 3826

Tit, great, nest of, built in a pump, 4014

Titmouse, cole, note on, 3753

Toads, in stone, 3808, 3848 ; spawning
of, 4097; devouring honey-bees,
4097, 4110

XV

Top-knot, Muller's, in Dalkey Sound,
Treland, 3990: note on, 4021

Trachinide, 3952

‘Transactions of the Entomological So-
ciety of London,’ 3818, 3873, 4064

‘ Transactions of the Linnean Society of
London,’ 4088

Triglide, 3952

Trout, embryology of, 3926

Tsétsé, attacks of, on oxen, 3823

Typhlocyba Filicum, 4111

Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club, pro-
ceedings of, 3924 .

Uraster glacialis, note on, 4021

Vanessa lo, hybernating specimens of
3825

Variety of the green woodpecker, 3800 ;
of the plaice, 4100; of the common
tern, 4124

Vegetable and animal organisms in sea-
water, 4118

Vernacular names, note on, 3885

Vespertilio emarginatus, 4012
S Nattereri, 4012

Viper, large, note on, 4018

Volvox globator, further contributions to
the structure of, 3786

Vulture or eagle said to attack the trained
falcons of the Asiatic falconers,
4052

Wagtail, gray, at Torquay, 3807 ; Con-
tinental white, in Sussex, 3908;
gray-headed, near Penzance, 3919

Walker, Francis, ‘ Insecta Saundersia-
na, 3859

Warbler, blackcap, late occurrence of,
3753; blue-throated, near Worth-
ing, 3907; in Kent, 3945; Savi’s,
nest and eggs of, 3945; thrush,
note on, 4014; grasshopper, notes
on, 4072, 4095, 4123

Water-shrew at Castle Eden, 3905

Woodcock, unusually large, 3754

Woodcock breeding in England, 3754 ;
note on, 4124

Woodecocks, supposed abundanee of in
Norfolk, 3754; abundance of in
particular localities, 3807; note on
abundance of, 3909 ; nests of in the
forest of Bere, and in Highden
Weod, Hants, 3909, 3910; nesting
in Sutherlandshire, and carrying
their young in their claws, 4017

Woodpecker, green, vaariety of the, 3800

Wrasse, blue-striped, 4100 ; red, 4100

Wren, willow, song of, 3943

Zeide, 3951

Zoological Society, proceedings of, 3751,
3796, 3860, 3885

Zoology, marine, 3837

ADVERTISEMENT.

‘Tue Zooroeist’ will be continued both as a monthly and an
annual publication. As a monthly, it will contain thirty-two pages
of letter-press, occasionally accompanied with illustrations engraved
on wood; will be on sale two days before the end of every month ;
and will be charged one shilling. As an annual, it will be sold on
or about the 1st of December ; will contain twelve monthly numbers,
bound and lettered uniformly with the present volume; and will be
charged thirteen shillings. An alphabetical list, both of contributors
and contents, will be published once in the year.

THE ZOOLOGIST

_ FOR 1853.

Subscription for Professor Nees von Esenbeck.
Addressed to the Readers of the ‘ Zoologist.’ By the Eprror.

TuE following circular has been printed, and sent to many of our
most distinguished naturalists. The receiver of this will please to
regard it as addressed to himself :—

“9, Devonshire St., Bishopsgate,
p
“ January 1, 1858.

“That eminent and truly philosophical naturalist, Nees von
EKsenbeck, having been reduced to circumstances of great distress,
through being deprived of his Professorship in the University of
Breslau, I have the honour to inform you that, with a view to afford-
ing him some temporary relief, a subscription has been set on foot,
to which I very respectfully and onal solicit the addition of
your name.

“ The following sums have been received ; and it is requested that
further contributions may be sent, either in cash payment, Post-office
order, or postage-stamps, to my address, as above; and the receipt
will be acknowledged on the wrappers of the next published numbers
of the ‘ Zoologist’ and ‘ Phytologist,’ or in any other way the donor

may require. “EDWARD NEWMAN.”

Li 8s...
John Alleard, Esq., F.LS. &C. ..ecssscssssesscssscsceserrcseee 1 0 0:
Dy calfouel FBS QeO5 a 40.00. 0s s3nqcgniy idee steuisomencdgsa yells One O
Wiliam Denne Bag. .......+é- osicafietmmmasstasteeerensisiconne, 1 0) .0
Miss M. A. Boulton ae petnisudindcverspirerccss Oo OU
J.S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.R.S. ‘&e.. Reeeeeaiecevexncs:, F OY
Uwe CHUTICEWOKt, TIEQ. .:...cccbestuasenine scares seainiers © sy LOG
Flenry Deane Say. Ayiii. 2.0 doi'escdeieabtaetbvee se Weadtacesteok 20.10

XI. B

3722 Nees von Esenbeck.

an ae
Pent Eon. Viscount Downe ....-.csgeamenctassnsisnescessnensess 1) 1 20
Dr. H. F. Hance.. conseccss ccaeaeastecueassenesveimstes 55 10. OC
Samuel Hanson, Bay. ae 2 0 6
Professor Henslow, F.L. S., FF: C. P. S., tec. isa ah) OO
J Sotuart WEG BAG, Bife<g ec... pdouegetanness apcecdemeteece 8 0 0
Bidward Newman PLS, Sc0, soneccsqgp esos dcccssseensersssoe oF OO
John Powle, Esq... Raine » SamiEMaRGl ss 004tseeenecsave hye een n ae
Berthold Sfeonn' Bai. 5 F. . a oo suas (aRanaecseoesvaces sever i 3
E. P. Southall, Esq. ....... WME aN cessccnsspensge 59 LOLNO
William Spence, Esq., F.R. S. che ovis ga enemiIn ees qiohooes sip ens 5 0 0
Mies. VATONMCY B:SU), . -occss cus seccce snsngseeiteeesesens puncte se % ay OW |G
N. B. Ward, Esq., F.L.S. ce SSM RAeenensanscesnes 2) 0, Me
H: ©: Watson, Esq:, FiL:S., &c. ..cecaemsuevatecscssnepsestsee or OetO
Robert Wigham, Esq., F.LS. «os csceteboneeemeesentnadetans, Of ere
vamies Yates, sq.; FICS: &c. ... aivpaetaesereeaperersdlesc LY Ure O
RFS Zoyiers Msg. }.. 222685 ciis «1104.00 soaepantenbstseleladeeeg anemaan | ent Oleg

The following letter has been received from Professor Nees von
Ksenbeck :—

“ Breslau.

“ Respected Sir,

“TJ have received, with heartfelt thanks, the present which,
nobly sympathizing with my misfortunes, and influenced by feelings
akin to my own, you have enclosed in your letter.

“This truly acceptable present not only supplies the pressing
necessities of the outward man, but at the same time administers
consolation to the spirit within, and gives it assurance that, although
lonely and deserted in the land of its birth, and looking around in
vain for sympathy there, it yet receives that sympathy from the home
of freedom in the human race.

“I experience a feeling of deep shame in the neglect I have suf-
fered in my own country, as contrasted with the kindness evinced by
yours, since it argues that ours is a less noble race, less forward to
assist the distressed, less powerful in freedom.

“‘ When, however, the free man, in the spirit of a brother, offers us
his hand, we press it to the heart, as I now; in thought, do yours,

Natural-History Collectors. 3723

thanking and blessing you. Be pleased to convey these sentiments
to those who have, through you, afforded me this consolation and
assistance.
“T am, with sincere respect,
“ Yours most devotedly,
““ NEES VON ESENBECK.”

“ To Edward Newman, Esq.,
pees, Cy CL.

Proceedings of Natural-History Collectors in Foreign Countries.

Mr. N. Piant.*—“ San Leopoldo, long. 51° W., lat. 30° S., June,
1852.—Finding that nothing was to be collected from the sandy and
treeless neighbourhood of the city of Rio Grande, I embarked on board
a boat which was going up the Lagoa dos Patos to the city of Porto
Alégre. ‘The sail up the lake was both tedious and devoid of interest
for the first day ; but after sunrise the next morning we entered the
broad river Guayba, and could see both the banks clothed with vivid
green. On the north shore there rolled away into the distance a
country of rounded grassy hills; but on the south side was a broad
belt of shifting sand-hummocks, and beyond these a hilly country with
scattered trees. I reached the city at the end of December, and after
a short stay went upwards to this German colonists’ village of San
Leopoldo, where I remained till April. It was here that I made the
greater part of the collection which has been sent to Mr. Stevens.

“San Leopoldo lies on the north shore of the little river Sinos (the
Bells). It consists of three rows of houses, stretching from the river
about 800 yards; the inhabitants are nearly all Germans, and very
few speak Portuguese. Soon after entering this river large trees make
their appearance, and a line of wood extends along either bank: beau-
tiful creepers with variegated flowers hang gracefully from the branch-
es of the trees down to the water’s edge; and a dead silence prevails,
only broken at intervals by the plunge of a capybara into the gently
flowing stream, or the wild song of the boatmen.

“At San Leopoldo I staid at the house of a kind-hearted English-
man, who taught me how to manage the half-wild horses upon whose
backs much of the lives of the native Brazilians seems to be spent. No

* Communicated by his brother, Mr. John Plant.

3724 Natural-History Collectors.

one cares to walk, even on the most trivial journeys, and I soon dis-
covered that much more could be done in collecting on horseback
than on foot, for the difficulties in collecting here require great endur-
‘ance and strength to keep up under their exhausting nature. One
must be up an hour before sun-rise, and after a hasty breakfast of fa-
rinha mixed in coffee, saddle the horse and mount him for a ride to
the nearest point of the forest, to be on the ground for the early. in-
sects. My clothing consisted of a pair of cotton trowsers, a shirt, hat
and belt,—nothing more,—no shoes or stockings. I have heard some
incredulous people express a doubt about Mr. Waterton’s statement
that he walked barefooted through the forests of Demerara; but one
day’s experience in these forests would be enough to confirm full be-
lief in that gentleman’s statements. Strapped to my back is a double-
barrelled gun, with a pair of pistols in my belt, — according to the
reports of robbers and murderers. On one side of my horse hangs
the net and stick, and on the other the collecting-box. In this light
costume I ride out for nine miles to the forests ; dismounting and
hobbling the horse so as to allow him to feed, I make my way up a
‘picardo,’ a road cut through the forest so as to admit three horse-
men abreast: and now one soon discovers how impossible it would
be to walk with shoes on. Here is a rivulet to get over, and there
being no little wooden bridge across it, one must walk through it.
Soon after one meets with a swamp, then a bog, and so on all day.
No leather, except that sun-tanned hide which Nature has fitted so
tightly over our feet, would last an hour of such wear and tear.
“Insects are not to be met with in swarms about the forests; they are
as scarce to the sight as in England, and much more difficult to cap-
ture: for should you miss securing it by the first stroke of the net, the
butterfly is gone out of sight ina moment. It is but rarely that an
insect is observed settling upon the ground or on the trees, and Cole-
opterous insects do not, — as is the case with numbers of species in
England, — harbour wander stones, moss, or bark ; they are only seen
on the wing, darting by with great rapidity. The sides of the ‘pi-
cardo’ are a dense mass of foliage, interwoven with a net-work of
ereeping plants, through which a way must be cut, so that frequently
when I have had the chance of a shot at a rare bird, it will take an
hour to cut into the ‘mato’ tothe spot where it seemed to fall. I
am sure that specimens of birds sell much below their value in Eng-
land, considering the danger and difficulty there is in shooting them
and preparing the skins. The toil in a burning sun, with the thermo-
meter at 96°, even in the shade, — the wearying march through mud

:

Natural-History Collectors. | 3725

and bog, over ground strewed with thorny shrubs and dead trunks of
large trees, which, as you climb over them, sink beneath you in a mass
of rotten wood, displaying the nest of a spider as large as your hand |
(some of which I now send),—the hours of gloomy wandering in the
dark forest, where you cannot see ten yards before you for creepers,
—and the danger of being lost for days and weeks, as has been my
own case, — are enough to enhance the price of the hard-earned spe-
cimens.

“Whilst staying at an ‘ Kstrancia,’ in the hilly country on the south
side of the river Guayba, I had an opportunity of seeing numbers of
the Rhea, (Rhea Americana); but I was surprised to find how small
they looked, running along with raised wings over the campos. In
the neighbourhood of the villages they are not often met with, and at
all times are captured with difficulty. The Brazilian captures them
with the ‘bolas,’ riding at full speed until he is near enough to throw
' it securely round the legs or neck.

“T have been agreat deal annoyed, and yet amused, with a singular
bird which frequents the swampy plains on each side of the rivers.
From its peculiar cry the natives call it the ‘Cary Cary ;’ I think it
the Charadrius Cayanus of Latham. It is almost impossible to shoot
any birds wherever this noisy sentinel is found. I was riding one day
along the marshy plain, and saw a small flock of rose-coloured spoon-
bills quietly standing on a bank of sand about a quarter of a mile off.
I dismounted, and scrambled along on my hands and knees, with my
gun slung on my back, in hopes of getting within shot unobserved by
them or the ‘Cary Cary ;’ but I no sooner lifted my head above the
long grass for a sight, than a whole legion of them started up, with
one universal cry of Cary Cary, which sounds like ‘ take care, take
care!’ and frightened away the spoonbills. Sometimes this bird as-
sociates with a species of Saurophagus, a common inhabitant of the
cleared land about San Leopoldo, and they go together in flocks. The
cry of this bird is peculiar, and equally warning of danger; it is ‘Bem
te ve, —I see thee well! They will often proceed with you through-
out the whole day, and keeping in advance, just out of shot, will warn
everything of your approach.

“Upon the highest branch of some dead tree, in the thickest parts
of the forest, sits a species of shrike, of a perfectly white colour, with
the bill and near the eyes of a bright green: the colonists call it the
blacksmith or ‘ Kling fels,’ — voice of the rock. It will be heard
hammering and filing away, so much like a smith working on an anvil,
that I have often been deceived into a belief that it was a colonist at

- 3726 Natural-History Collectors.

work in the forest. After giving one or two clear metallic clangs, it
imitates filing so disagreeably true, as to set one’s teeth on-edge. I
shot one, but could not secure it for preservation.

“ Amongst others which are worthy of a hurried notice, is a species
of which I send two specimens. It is found only in the dense forest,
where I have often, when creeping noiselessly along, been startled by
a clear voice, asking me abruptly, ‘ Well, what now? ’— and before
one can prepare to reply to the inquiry, it is repeated over and over
again several times in quick succesion. This bird is very tame, and
not alarmed at the report of a gun.

3 “N. PLANT.”

Mr. H. W. Bates.* — “ Santarem, Amazons, April 12, 1852. — I
now send you the result of three months’ pretty close work at this
place and neighbourhood. I sent you a box also with 1095 insects
and 152 shells (January 12), valued at £30, which I have reason to
believe left Para on the 25th of February in the ‘ Windsor,’ so it will,
I hope, be in hand by this time. The present collection I cannot
think a very fine lot, wanting the fine series of Diurnes which I gene-
rally send; but you must recollect it is a ‘ winter’ collection, that is,
work of the wet season, which has been very severe here, and in no
locality are there many Diurnes in the wet season. You will however
find some beautiful Erycinide, and a fine series of Sapphira, which I
shall send no more of now. The greater part of these fine specimens
are bred, I having hit upon a few broods of larve and chrysalides : at
the present time scarcely one is to be seen,—either butterfly or larva.
You will also see many new Coleoptera, but small; unfortunately the
virgin forest is far from here. What I think the best part is the large
series of Hymenoptera &c., which I have collected well, being only
found readily in the wet season. ‘There are very few of any new spe-
cies, so I suppose they will go off well; also many small species:
most are perfect. I have taken four trips already to the banks of a
rivulet which flows into Tapajos, five miles from here: the forest is
glorious, and teems with new and rare things. At present these are
unique, and reserved in my private collection, which I do not send
this time; I also have some twenty species of Hesperiz, all unique,
and about ten or twelve of other families, one of which is a new Cata-
gramma, male and female. I hope to get a few more of these before
I leave here, so as to send one box the last thing. In woods the main

* Communicated by My. S. Stevens.

Natural-History Collectors. 3727-

difficulty is the flowers ; as to getting any quantity of different kinds,
it would oblige me to alter my plans very much: I should have to
hire two good Indians, and go to other expenses, entailing £80 or
£100 a-year extra expense: but what few I can get en passant, I will
send. I have about twenty specimens of medicines, woods and roots
now waiting for the flowers. Mr. Hawxwell I hear sells most of his
birds to passing travellers, and in Para, perhaps the reason why you
have not heard of him in London. I saw some excessively lovely
things (I am sure some very rare) which he sold to Lieut. Horndon
an American, passing through here from Lima. He gets better prices
than in London. I have about fifty specimens of reptiles &c., but not
enough to fill a small barrel which I wish to forward them in.

“ As I said, I am ready to proceed on the Tapajos voyage.- I in-
tend to go for eight months or a year, and in my own vessel, with all
things as convenient on board as I can arrange, so as to be able to
work, write, and sleep on board. This latter is a great thing in these
rivers, where sleeping ashore is almost sure to lead to fever and ague.
The glorious river stretches away southward from Santarem, with its
high banks, blue hills, and white sandy shores seeming to invite its
exploration. Every one from there speaks in raptures of the scenery,
and the novelty of the birds and animals, and I consider myself lucky
in getting hands to row me up, a matter of great difficulty in the
Amazon branch rivers.”

“‘ May 8.—I left the letter unfinished until the last thing, according
to custom; when in the mean time an accident happened to the ves-
sel by which it should go, it sprung a leak, and had to be unloaded
and caulked. My collection was all ready papered and packed, so I
send it, just as it was ready a month ago; since then, of course, I
have collected as usual, and added enough new or rare things perhaps
to fill another box, but think it better to wait until the last day before
I leave for the Tapajos, so as to send all, and finish with Santarem
once and for all. The weather has continued drenching wet, and the
river has risen much with a tearing current. Now is near the end of
the wet season, and the current will soon slacken. I have a canoe
very convenient either to purchase or hire, not yet decided, and two
good Indian oarsmen at 9d. a-day, besides their food, and have al-
ready made acquaintance here with residents at various places up the
Tiver. IfI find a good station I shall stop six or eight months at it,
sleeping on board if unhealthy. The same men with two others will

3728 Natural-History Collectors.

hunt and fish, and not be more than 4s. or 5s. a-day expense altoge-
ther. You will see a pill-box with curious small Coleoptera &c.”

“‘Santarem, May 17, 1852.—The vessel which takes this leaves to-
morrow, so I have no time to put up another box of insects. It is
eight days since my collection left here, with copious letters and notes,
which will be answers to your letters of December last; I now reply
to yours of January 31. Santarem is not a good locality for Diurnes,
- not being surrounded by virgin forest : in the same period that I have
been here, I could have done better in this family at Ega, as I have
no doubt I did not accomplish a fourth part of what is to. be done on
the Upper Amazons, it is so productive a country. I am now rearing
many Lepidoptera, but have failed in drawing and preserving many
larve. In reference to the Mysceliz being the females of Epicalia,
there are ip my private collection of these Epicaliz alone three or four
species thus paired, some bagged in copuld, leaving no mistake about
it. Having my books &c., | am now ready to be off to the Tapajos,
and long to get to a good locality for butterflies again.” »

* Santarem, June 4, 1852.—I now forward the last box that I shall
send from this place ; my private collection, consisting of single spe-
cimens, amounts to about 800 species: as they keep well, and I wish
to compare them with the Tapajos species, I shall not send these at
present. The minute Coleoptera in pill-boxes will not keep in this
climate ; the plan won’t answer; although I dry them in the sun for
a week before boxing, they are subject to mould and mites. 1 now
see by the books sent, how little is known of Diurnes, &c. Besides
the notes sent, I find I can add a great deal of information from me-
mory ; thus you see it 1s important that I should find my collection
complete, with all the Nos. attached, when I return. I have now ta-
ken, with this pair of hands, 1000 species of butterflies! I have now
about 50 specimens of small reptiles, about 30 of woods and medi-
cines, 50 shells, &c.: the reptiles will not yet make a parcel worth
sending ; the woods &c. are waiting for the flowers; and the shells
(species already sent) I keep until I can fill a box equal in size to the
insect-box, for the convenience of packing. I am only sorry not to

‘have the means of taking heights of mountains, position of rivers, &c.
I am likely to meet with ; for the thermometers, barometers, quad-
rants, theodolites, and tables of formule which are necessary, are all
quite beyond the means of a poor man like myself. What I have
found very useful, are the continental annual reports on Zoology,

Birds. ~ 3729

published by the Ray Society ; they fill up by the notices of new spe-
cies the voids there are in other works, and by discriminating between
allied species, make one very attentive not to mistake allied species
for the same in collecting. Erichson is the reporter for Entomology ;
and you cannot imagine the pleasure afforded by his acute criticisms
and discriminations ; it is delightful to have such a guide. You will
probably not hear from me again for several months, when I hope to
send you a collection far superior to anything I have sent you from
Santarem. I should have been on my voyage at present, had not an
accident happened to the vessel. Yesterday I took two new Diurnes,
and three new Coleoptera. Some flowers have appeared on the bor-
ders of a wood, where for months I never saw a good insect; the last
few days I have taken about twenty species at them which I never saw
before anywhere. The numbers of Celznis Dido and other Celenes,
Eucides, Thecla Marsyas, and other beautiful but common butterflies
at the spot is extraordinary, and would form an astonishing picture.
One of the new things I took there yesterday is a new Thecla, far sur-
passing in silky brilliancy the beautiful blue ones I sent from Para ;
there is a band of deeper blue traversing the wings, forming a start-
ling and unexpected style of Thecla beauty.
“ H. W. Bares.”

Remarks on Scolopax Delamotti. By the Rev. A. MatrHews, M.A.

WHILE snipe-shooting on Pet Marsh, near Hastings, in the begin-
ning of last December, I was fortunate enough to procure a specimen
of Scolopax Delamotti. As I have not seen any previous notice of
the occurrence of this bird in the British Islands, and as the specimen
_ itself is strikingly dissimilar to any of its congeners which I have met

with, I hope the following remarks will not be thought superfluous.

Many consider this bird, as well as 8. Brehmi, to be merely varie-
ties of 8. Gallinago; but whether this is really the case, I cannot, up-
on the evidence ofa single specimen, venture an opinion.

The principal distinction dwelt upon by those who advocate a se-
paration of species, seems to consist in the number of the feathers in
the tail. These, in the common snipe, they say amount to fourteen ;
and it is therefore a point worth our consideration, to determine whe-
ther this can be considered a permanent specific character. If upon
a careful examination such proves to be the fact, any deviation from

XI. , Cc

3730 Birds.

this rule becomes a point of considerable importance, though alone
perhaps hardly sufficient to justify a specific separation. In this part
of Oxfordshire, snipes are usually very plentiful ; during the last few
seasons many hundreds have passed through my own hands, or those
of my brothers: and it has almost invariably been our custom, since
we first heard of the occurrence of S. Brehmi, to count the feathers in
the tail of each fresh victim; but of the numbers thus counted, not
one, save the subject of the present notice, has presented any varia-
tion from the typical number (14). Occasionally indeed a feather or
two may have been missing, but the reason for this has always been
apparent, sometimes from natural causes, at other times from the ef-
fect of the shot; in all cases quite sufficient proof remained that four-
teen would have been the legitimate complement of each tail.

It is hardly necessary to observe, that the feathers on one side of
the tail correspond in shape and colour with those on the other side ;
thus in a tail composed of fourteen feathers, we find seven pair, each
pair being precisely similar in themselves ; the outermost feathers on
each side forming the last pair, and the two middle feathers the first
of the series. By this rule, when a tail has been examined presenting
an abnormal number of feathers, the absence of one or more has been
readily accounted for, even where no vestige of the plume itself re-
mained. If then the tail-feathers of the snipe are variable in number,
it appears singular that no such variation should have occurred to
ourselves in the course of so long an investigation ; if, on the other
hand, the number of the tail-feathers be a permanent character of the
common snipe, then surely a difference in this particular becomes im-
portant in distinguishing an allied species, especially if accompanied
by other dissimilarities. In the specimen before us several other dif-
ferences do present themselves, which it will be well to examine in
detail.

Though different individuals of the common snipe vary much in the
markings of the back and back of the head, yet in the plumage of
all the lower parts of the body they constantly resemble each other.
From the base of the lower mandible, for the space of about half an inch,
the feathers are of a plain buff colour, from thence to the commence-
ment of the breast-bone they are mottled with various shades of brown,
near the latter point these markings terminate, the whole of the re-
maining plumage being of a pure white, with the exception of the
long feathers supporting the wings when folded, which last are more
or less transversely barred with black. Here the difference between
this bird and its congeners would strike the most casual observer.

Birds. ; - gra

The mottled part of its plumage is not only much darker, and of a
very different colour from any specimen of the common snipe with
which it has been compared, but also commences close to the base of
the under mandible, and is continued without intermission over the
breast-bone, leaving the belly alone white; each of the breast-fea-
thers is marked with two transverse bars of black on a white ground,
extending through the whole breadth of the plume; the white part of
the belly is also of an ashy tinge, exhibiting none of that brilliant pu-
rity so conspicuous in the common snipe. The plumage of the back
and wings also differs widely from the ordinary varieties of the com-
mon snipe. The scapular feathers are deep black, mottled with nar-
row markings of dark red: they possess the usual longitudinal buff
stripe, but towards the wings are narrowly margined with ashy white,
in lieu of the wide buff-coloured marks generally seen. In this part
of its plumage, however, the snipe is so liable to vary as to offer no
distinctive characters. The bare portion of the tibia in this bird is
much shorter than in any specimen of the common snipe which I
have measured, as may be seen by the subjoined dimensions of three
specimens of the latter bird in our collection.

The chief point of distinction lies, of course in the tail, and here,
also, the difference is greater than has yet been noticed ; not only is
the number of these feathers less by two than in the common snipe,
but the feathers themselves differ both in shape and size from the
corresponding plumes of that species. In S. Delamotti the jirst tail-
feather is nearly half an inch shorter than the shortest of the corre-
sponding feathers in the specimens of the common snipe before men-
tioned: the same difference prevails throughout the tail, the feathers
are also broader and much rounder at the point.

The following table will show more plainly the differences in the
parts I have alluded to.

Common Snipe, three specimens. S. Delamotti.
in. lin. in. lin. in. lin. in. lin.

Length of wing from the carpal joint ‘
to the point of the Ist e. -feather, et ee TT

GIR MEAS aati siscacudecnocecs.cncciti Mbetiinsse (2 LIS on 2 4 cnn 8. TH
PPUEB UBIICHENEE cedar acnnce.ccecs ces ese cvs Pees Ce ss | CE a OL OE
PAG, POL CL GUDID Clicorecs cic cscsscccscsccse GUMMmEmale 3,8 OE sce yy SG Mee eae

I have thus carefully examined this bird, not with any predetermi-
nation to convince myself of its distinctness as a species, but with the
simple intention of sifting the matter thoroughly in order to attain as
nearly as might be to a true conclusion. Though I have all along made
use of the term “ species,” for lack of a more appropriate word, I am

3732 Birds.

yet far from feeling satisfied, and can only hope that these observa-
tions may induce older and more experienced naturalists to turn their
attention to the subject. A matter of such difficulty cannot be settled
without a more thorough knowledge of it than we appear at present
to possess. The points of difference are far too many and too obvious
to permit a careless amalgamation of the species, while as yet they are
-too few to decide hastily on their separation. ‘Time and research
alone will enable us to form any correct opinion, and to them the
question must be left.

In the ‘ Birds of Ireland’ Mr. Thompson, though giving a long and
very interesting account of the habits of the snipe, does not appear to
have noticed these striking varieties, if indeed they may be so termed.
This is much to be regretted, as few naturalists have ever enjoyed
more abundant opportunities of acquiring knowledge on this head.
The author, in one paragraph, mentions a fact which, properly inves-
tigated, might have furnished us with much valuable information. In
the second volume of that work, at p. 271, we find this remark : —
“ With reference to plumage, the following note was made. ‘Novem-
ber 16, 1833. — On directing the attention of an ornithological friend
to-day to the very dark colour of two snipes received from Coleraine,
he remarked that most probably they were birds bred in more north-
ern couuties ; as he well recollected that all which were shot out of
the multitudinous numbers which appeared in the bog-meadows in
August, 1828, were peculiarly dark in plumage.’ _It would be singu-
lar if we could thus distinguish a foreign from a native-bred snipe.”

No one who has seen Scolopax Delamotti can read the foregoing
passage without the recurrence of this bird to his mind. If other spe-
cimens at all resemble the one before us in colour, the dark hue of its
plumage would distinguish it among a thousand. And again, the
more northern breeding-haunts alluded to suggest the inquiry,—Can
this be the usual habit of S. Delamotti? But here Mr. Thompson’s
observations end, and his readers are left unaided to form their own
conclusions.

The present rainy autnmn promises a fertile field for prosecuting
inquiries on this subject. Snipes made their appearance in this
neighbourhood towards the end of July, and, although numbers have
already come under my inspection, no variation in the tail-feathers
has yet occurred.

I therefore send you the foregoing remarks, in the hope of exciting
others to investigate the matter. To any who may have already done
so, I would suggest that they kindly make known the result of their

Insects. 3733

observations ; those who have not, I would urge to take advantage of
the present opportunity, and to remember the advice of the poet,—
“ Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.”
A. MATTHEWS.
Weston-on-the-Green, September, 1852.

Reply to Mr. Doubleday’s “ Notes on Mr. Stephens’ ‘ Catalogue of
Lepidopterous Insects in the Cabinet of the British Museum,
(Tortrices).”” By J. F. SrepuHens, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

In your number for September (Zool. 3580) appear some Notes on
my Catalogue of the Tortrices in the British Museum Collection, to
which I feel it an imperative though painful duty to reply ; it being
evident that my friend Mr. Doubleday has, from misapprehension,
“jumped to an erroneous conclusion” as to my object; and has con-
sequently raised a series of charges against me, which having traversed
“ the length and breadth of the land,” leaves me no alternative but to
repel them by a thorough analysis of the points in question, which
necessarily leads to the introduction of matters in connexion there-
with, which would otherwise have been buried in oblivion.

I am accused, in the onset, of making “an unfair attack” therein
upon M. Guenée’s work on the Noctuz, an accusation J most empha-
tically and utterly deny, not only de facto, but as wholly beyond my
intention, as I state in the last paragraph of the Introduction, that my
“remarks are introduced solely with a view to point out the palpable
inconvenience of the proposed system,” — that deprecated in the pre-
ceding pages thereof, —“ and not from any captious spirit.” I have
yet to learn that the quotation of examples to illustrate a subject un-
der consideration, is indicative of any opinion of the work quoted ;
and regarding Guenée’s, I have expressed no other than terming it
“an elaborate one,” which, according to my ideas, implies commen-
dation ; my sole object in noticing it being, as above and elsewhere
shown, to furnish additional proofs in regard to my views, and thus
further endeavour to resist the prevailing innovation on the nomencla-
ture by the adoption of a new rule in one department of Zoology, “at
the present time,” (p. xi.):—for surely the only proper period to change
the name of an animal is, when it is found to belong to the same ge-
nus as another, to which the same name had been applied, and not to
anticivate an inconvenience, which may never arise in some groups,

3734 Insects.

and can never be remedied by the system now attempted to be carried
out; as any person conversant with zoological literature may readily
perceive. .

Again, had I chosen any other vehicle (the ‘ Zoologist,’ for exam-
ple) than that to which they naturally formed an appendage, my re-
marks might have been considered uncalled for; as it appears “ the
head and front” of my offence is based upon the fact of their having
been introduced into a work—the nomenclature of which I was defend-
ing—“ published by authority ;” the interests of science being consi-
dered of minor importance !

I only received Guenée’s work at the time when the Introduction
- was actually in type (to the extent originally proposed, namely, so far
as the remarks on the Tortricide alone), and would have been worked
off, but for an accidental delay, as your office books, Mr. Editor, can
corroborate. But having noticed, during the process of cutting open
the volumes, several generic names, familiar to me “as household
words,” applied to new genera, and various changes in the nomencla-
ture of our indigenous species, as well as the wholesale alteration of
the twenty-one doubly-employed names, in p. 199, vol. ii.; I availed
myself of the delay in the printing, and determined to add to my In-
troduction, for the reason therein stated (p. viii.), that is, as ‘‘ bearing
upon the point under discussion:” and I feel assured that any reflect-
ing person will allow, that I have not exceeded the legitimate bounds
of propriety in so doing; for I certainly possess as much right to op-
pose what seem to me incorrect views, as others have to propose them,
without being accused of wnfairness in so doing : — and this right
Mr. Doubleday has not failed to exercise, by adding some strictures
on my ‘ Illustrations’ to his “ Notes.”

Time was pressing; and I proceeded, with perhaps too much haste
for minute accuracy, as it appears I made an error in omitting to ob-
serve the ? after the reference to | Phytometra] rufa,—which stands thus
in Guenée’s book, “ = rufa Haw. Phyt. 16? ”— the ? in the type em-
ployed being so like the figure 2, as to be readily overlooked — and
called it Noctua rufa, Haw. (This species I prefixed to the number
of examples, because Guenée had referred, four lines above, to my
genus Coenobia in the ‘ Museum Catalogue,’ and the references there
given would have supplied him with the dates, figures, &c., of the in-
sect: two of my specimens of which were taken in company with
Haworth’s originals. I selected, at hazard, several other names also,
although it would appear by the “ Notes” that two only were brought

Insects. 3735

forward, viz., “ gemmipuncta of Hatchet and anomala of Haworth;”
but of these hereafter).

The oversight, owing to my cacography; of employing the term
homonymic—not however in the original MSS.—instead of monony-
mic,* although a nominal error, has nothing to do with the point at
issue, except obscuring the sense where used, and serving to accuse
those persons who prejudge the question without adhering to the
wholesome maxim of “ audi alteram partem” first !

As among the thousand purchasers of the ‘ Zoologist,’— and I am
happy to find that it is supported by so large a number — there must
necessarily be many who may not see the Mus. Cat., I insert, in jus-
tice to all parties, the list, complete, both of species and genera, to
which I have referred, namely : —

Names adopted by Guenée.

“‘ Nonagria despecta, Z7evt. 1825, = Noctuat rufa, Haw. 1810.

Nonagria paludicola, Hib. 1816, = Noctua geminipuncta, Hatch.
1810.

Hydrecia vindelicia, Frey. 1849, = Gortyna Petasitis, Doub. 1847.

Noctua bella, Bork. 1792, = Noctua Rubi, View. 1790.

Genus Hoporinia, Boisd. 1840, = Jodia, Hib. 1816, = Xantholeuca,
Step. 1831.

Genus Gonoptera, Lat. 1825, = Seetenteryx; Germ. 1811.

Stilbia hybridata, Hib. 1814, = Phytometra anomala, Haw. 1812.”

GENERA.

Ki PAROEOCCUE, Liiva... .0ds0ce.ccninsee Phorocera, Desv. 18380.
CART adie chro vseccecesssbaclt Charidea, Dalm. 1816.
Repiosises). iki Leptosia, Hib. 1816.
Pirie eta ineceaiks seven... 0s Eriocera, Macq. 1834.
Syntomopus ....................0yntomopus, Wal. 1833.
Diy Olen GAS, nse isitoad Dicyclus, Walk. 1833.
Bitierplaaidelicscccisicteokas Kuterpe, Sewains. 1831.
Bn) ie oan ee Thyra, Dej. 1834.
Phemaacerasiies. tis tres Hemicera, Lap. 1832.

¥AChAaNtOdES......2.0600.00ss00c eee Acanthodes, Serv. 1831.
Barydia ........ Te ee Baridius, Schén. 1826.”

* Vide ‘ Zoologist,’ ix. p. 3163, line 8.—J. F’. S.
+ Should have been Phytometra rufa: (vide supra).
t Charidia, a typographical error in the Mus. Cat. ; Guenée has it Charidea, which
ought to have been ascertained before impugning my statement.

3736 Insects.

Mr. Doubleday, — to use his own expression, — is. “ particularly
unfortunate” in the selection of the ¢wo names before alluded to
in his voluntary defence of Guenée; and the typography of the
first may show him — irrespective of what may hereafter appear on
that point — how readily such mistakes arise and become over-
looked, and of the consequent care which should be employed
before raising a superstructure upon them. He observes (Zool.
3580) that I give in my ‘Illustrations’ “the hybridata of Hiibner
as the anomalata of Haworth;” and then, without noticing my
correction of the error of termination in the Mus. Cat., he introdu-
ces an episode, concluding with the belief that the name anomala
was “ first applied to this species (hybridata) in his Catalogue.” A
collation of the references given to the insect in question in my Syst.
Cat. with that emanating from the Brit. Mus. would have shown him
' that the syllable ta was a typographical error, or lapsus calami rather.
In my Syst. Cat. (i. p. 111) I refer to “ Ph. anomalata: the Anoma-
lous: Ent. Trans. (Haworth) i. 336;” and in my Illustr. from the
Syst. Cat. without “the book (the E. T.) before” me to Phy. anoma-
lata, Haw., and not to Phalena anomalata, Haw. (wanting an Eng-
lish name), E. T. p. 337 — which last will be found in my S. Cat. ii.
p- 141, No. 6622, as a synonyme to Geometra Hippocastanaria, Hitb.,
and in the Mus. Cat. p. 206. It will also appear by my Syst. Cat. ii.
111, that I refer to Op.? anomala, (Ing. Ins. 91). The information in
the work last cited having been furnished by me to Mr. Ingpen, in
1827, and then acknowledged by him. At all events, Guenée might
have ascertained the point, since he quotes, as before stated, the ge-
nus Ceenobia from p. 134 of my Mus. Cat., and Stilbia anomala ap-
pears in p. 133!

Again, had an equally searching examination been made as to the
origin of the name applied by me to Nonagria gemznzpuncta, it would
have been found that Guenée himself has referred to Haworth, 45 (p.
176, 1810) as a synonyme to N. paludicola, Hib. (1816) !!

What therefore becomes of the unfairness charged against me, and
attempted to be proved by the three instances in question ?

Thus far as to the species; any alleged or real errors of mine on
that or other points prove neither for nor against the position I advo-
cate; and J admit that three out of the seven instances referred to
(Zool. 3581) as “ abrogations of the law,” are so, and have long since
been corrected in my copy of the ‘ Catalogue ;’ the other Haworthian
names having been previously used, except perhaps the last (marga-
ritana),— though not shown in a local Catalogue ; but Hiibner and.

we eS

Insects. 3737

Haworth having both proposed that name for two species of Argyri-
dia in 1812, and the former having figured a second species (the indi-
genous one) subsequently under the name dipoltella, I adopted this
last as the most proper course to pursue.

A graver accusation is brought forward in regard to the generic
names, namely, that I have referred to pretended * duplicate generic
names, and that “only four are really” duplicates. 1 beg therefore
to draw attention to the list above given, wherein it will be found that
Jive are literally identical, and a sixth (marked *) is etymologically
so, though incorrectly spelt by Guenée; Serville having given the
correct orthography, and employed the name as referred to in the
‘Catalogue.’ If “ Baridia and Barydius cannot be considered identi-
cal,” surely Aporophyla (uncertain Tribe) and Aporophila (uncertain
Love) cannot be ; consequently the Aporophila australis of Double-
day’s ‘ List, p. 13 and 27, thrice repeated, is not identical with Apo-
rophyla australis — neither can Cirredia or Cirredia be identical with
Cirreedia, the correct name, &c. &c. These examples—of pure typo-
graphical errors — render manifest the difficulty that exists in detect-
ing all such errors, especially when is is stated that those above refer-
red to are in large capitals, and several of the names have been three
or four times recomposed : notwithstanding which, a charge has been
made against me, in reference to my remarks in my second ‘ Cata-
logue,’ that my first was full of errors, and such as the following are
pointed out in corroboration thereof : —

Page 7. Pyronia, Hib. V. 55, instead of 58.
oe meptis, Hib. V. 167, 2 243.
» 120. Polyphora, Hib. V. 273, Pe 237.

Page 231. Pechipogon, Hib. V. 344, instead of Pechipogo, &c.

Some of the errors alluded to not existing in the original MSS. from
which the work was printed, now in my possession.

Furthermore, it is alleged that as-I have in a great measure adopted
Guenée’s arrangement of the Tortricidae, and availed myself of the
‘Synonymic List, I had but little comparative trouble in working up
the second ‘ Catalogue.’ To the first point I reply by stating that I
have in my library a printed Catalogue, dated the 7th of July, 1820

* The employment of this objectionable word has induced me to carefully collate —
the genera, and I find there are 65 duplicates — only 20 per cent. — of which no less
than 45 are employed in Entomology ; 34 are literal duplicates, and the majority of
the remainder differ only in gender: and in addition there is the obviously inadmissi-
ble word “ Homoptera” applied to a genus!

mle D

3738 Insects.

(thirty-two years ago), drawn up by myself, almost identical, so far as
the groups are concerned, with the one recently published! © And as
regards the second point, the following statistics will test whether the
detraction be true or not : —

British, or Named
reputed Synonymes,
British Species. _ about
In Guenée’s ‘ Catalogue of Tortrices’ are ........ ZIO Listas 545
Added in Doubleday’s ‘ List,’ ......ccscscssssssesseees BS: halts. 187*
270 732
Pred 110 Wits, Cate '.523is....001..005ssckeetneiea cbddedse ones 780 csliee 674
Wootal i.5. isc. ...s 00hk Lee eM deans ale Baa) fois 1406

As the conclusions to be drawn from these tables are so self-evident,
I shall merely observe that I was occupied, and sedulously too, for
nearly six months in working up the Tortricide, and above three years
in completing the former Catalogue : — that during this period I col-
lated every reference, with but few exceptions, as indicated in the list
of books quoted ; — and arranged the Brit. Mus. and my own collec-
tions to accord therewith, introducing with the last every name, whe-
ther generic, subgeneric, specific, sexual or synonymical, so as to
identify, as far as practicable, the type of each species, sex and vari-
ety intended by the respective authors: that in addition to gratui-
tously arranging the Brit. Mus. collection, I gave the MSS. of my Ca-
talogue to the Trustees, and superintended their progress through the
press, for which services they directed a special letter of thanks to be
sent to me, expressive of “ their sense of the liberality and zeal evin-
ced in gratuitously undertaking the works,” of which they requested
I would “ be pleased to accept fifty copies, as well as a complete set
of their Zoological Catalogues.” My experience teaches me that few
persons would voluntarily have devoted so long a period of exertion,
at considerable expense and inconvenience, my residence being nearly
four miles from the Museum, to the public, and but for the attempted
detraction I should not have alluded thereto, as it was truly “a labour
of love.”

Towards the end of the “ Notes,” Mr. Doubleday says, “ With very
‘few exceptions, Mr. Stephens has adopted my views as to species and
varieties,” &c. An undeniable fact; arising from a three-fold cause.

* Most of these in my Syst. Cat.

Insects. 3739

First, twenty years’ additional experience on my part, with increased
attention to the Lepidoptera: secondly, from the circumstance that
the original MS. of the ‘Synonymic List’ was sent to me by degrees,
for my opinion in regard to references, &c., and our concordance or
discordance adjusted accordingly, to our mutual benefit: and lastly,
from having obtained, at great cost, nearly all the works procurable
on the subject, for the purpose of testing the references &c. previously
given (almost wholly on the authority of Haworth, who at the time my
Syst. Cat. appeared, was the only person who possessed a copy of
Hiibner — and that an imperfect one). And I feel assured that Mr.
Doubleday, with his known sense of justice, will admit the truth of my
statement, and relieve me from the charge which has been made, of
having “shamefully” published his List as my Catalogue. He, as
well as many other of my friends—you, Mr. Editor, among the num-
ber — was fully aware that I was preparing a corrected Catalogue of
our Lepidoptera, years before his was projected ; hence the cause of
my obtaining the expensive works alluded to, to enable me to carry
out the task which I commenced in 1832, and outlived to the end;
but from circumstances could not proceed with, until 1843; when I
entirely remodelled the arrangement, and commenced a second Cata-
logue—referred to in the Address to the supplementary volume of my
‘ Illustrations,’ in September, 1846 — which eventually laid the foun-
dation of the one published: all these MSS. (with the successive cor-
rections) are in my library (always, with my collections, open to the
free use of entomologists), and in each convincing proof can be shown
of the date of production.

Mankind are too prone to reject the ladder by which they have
mounted ; and perhaps I am not guiltless of doing so, inasmuch as I
have availed myself of a few rundles added by my successors, in re-
turn for assistance, mostly unacknowledged, afforded by my previous
labours to them. In my sixteenth year (the figures of which are now
exactly reversed, being a sexagenarian this day — notwithstanding
which I have had the temerity to undertake the task of endeavouring
to arrange and catalogue the truly magnificent collection of Linnean
Phalenz in the British Museum, probably 7000 species), I prepared
my first ‘Catalogue of British Animals,’ by which it appears that only
3673 indigenous species of insects were known at that period (1808
—12), including, with the (sub-) species of Haworth &c. then recog-
. nized, 1367 Lepidoptera. Time progressed; and although I was
wholly occupied during the day in business, and engaged in the even-
ing in preparing the twelve first volumes of the ‘General Zoology’ for

37410 Insects.

publication, as well as deeply immersed in studying the mysteries of
Electricity, &c., I advanced so rapidly with my collections of British
shells and insects, that I had more than doubled the number of the
latter by 1822, and I contrived nevertheless to gradually work up the
‘Catalogue of Insects,’ until, on its publication in 1829, I actually re-
gistered no less than 10,116 species, — two-thirds, at least, captured
by myself,——although at this time there were not half-a-dozen collec-
tions named in England, and those only partially so; and as I had no
transmarine or other assistants to clear up doubtful points, possessed
but a trifling entomological library, and had to ferret out the names
as best I could, frequently from works in the Teutonic and other
European languages,—it is not to be wondered at, that with all these
disadvantages and engagements—personal and domestic illnesses, &c.
— I was occasionally at fault, especially when we find that individu-
als who devote the greater portion of their lives to one order, group,
or family of insects &c., are equally, if not, in proportion to their h-
mited researches and better opportunities, more so.

I am at a loss to divine why the long extract from Guenée respect-
ing my ‘ Illustrations’ is introduced; unless to exhibit (among other
things) his neglect of the numerous remarks made by me in regard to
many of the supposed species (vide the genus Caradrina, IIl. (Haust.)
ii. 154, and Syst. Cat. 11. 75, 76, &c., as instances), and his utter disre-
gard of the fact that the synonymes were to be found in the Syst. Cat.
Had Guenée however consulted Wood’s ‘ Index Entomologicus,’ he
would have found ortginal figures—and moreover correct ones in the
main—of all the assumed species of that day, together with those of
many undoubted species, to which, if described at all by him, he
has given new names, although previously described by Haworth and
myself.

Once more: Guenée states (Intr. xxx.) that the synonymy in the
Mus. Cat. accords “en tous points” with that established between
himself and Mr. Doubleday: to show that this is not the case, the fol-
lowing additional instances of disagreement in the names of species
alone, exclusive of synonymes,* will suffice, and at the same time
add some useful information as to the synonymy, to this unavoidably
lengthy paper; and also exhibit a few additional “ abrogations of the
law of priority,” nearly coincident in number with the discrepancies

* The proportions are about the same as in the Tortrices, p. 3737: whence there- —
fore accrue the hundreds of additional names in the Mus. Cat. pt. i.? Which mani-
festly proves that Guenée made the assertion without examination !

Insects. ; 3741

between my ‘ Illustrations’ and Mus. Cat.: and the majority being
errors, I might justly reciprocate the charge of being “very careless”
against M. Guenée, who-has been twenty years a writer on Lepido-
ptera alone (wde ante), his first publication being dated 1832. Again;
there are 111 deviations between the Noctue of the Mus. Cat. and the
Syn. List, arising from the fact that the Catalogue of Boisduval (1840)
formed the foundation of the latter, instead of the names being (as
they ought properly to have been) traced to their original authors : —
these are nevertheless ? coincidents “en tous points” /!

SPECIES.
Guenée. Stephens.
81. Acronycta Myrice, n. s. = Acron. Euphorbie.

158. Nonagria concolor, ext. var. ? = Nonagria extrema.

Pav. 5 lutosa, = “= crassicornis.

306. Mamestra abjecta, Hub. 1813, = Mam. St. nigricans, View. 1790.
309. 7. anceps, Hub. 1811, = .,,° sordida, Bork: 1790.
332. Apamea fibrosa, Hub. t. 385, = Hydrz. leucostigma, Hub. f. 375.
333. a oculea, = Ap. didyma.

339. Miana erratricula, Hub. 1813, = Mi. literosa, Haw. 1810.
379. Grammesia trilinea, Schiff. 1776, = Gr. Quercus, Fab. 1775.
408. Rusina tenebrosa, Hub. 1799, = Rw. ferruginea, Esp. 1784.
417. Agrotis jaculifera, Gu. 1852, = Ag.subgothica, Haw. 1812.
506. » lucernea, L. = Gra. cataleuca, St.

532. Noctua margaritacea, * = ,, I-intactum.

572. Pachnobia carnica, + = Orth.? hyperborea ?

601. Orthosia suspecta, = 4, ! congener.

635. Cerastis spadicea, Hub. 1799, = Glea Ligula, Esp. 1789.
649. Xanthia silago, Hub. 1799, = Xant. flavago, Fab. 1787.
651. Cirredia aurantiago, Gu. 1832, = Aleth. fimbriago, St. 1829.
662. » Xerampelina, 7ub.{ 1806, = ,, centrago, Haw. 1810.
687. Dianthecia Carpophaga. Bork.1792,= Dian. perplexa, Schiff. 1776.
731. Epunda nigra, Gu. 1852, = Chareas CMthiops, Sz.

822. Hadena W-Latinum, = Had. Geniste.

925. Tamila nundina, Dry. = Acont. nigrirena, Haw.

984. Agrophila candefacta, Hub. 1820, = Erast. minuta? Haw. 1812.
995. Acontia albicollis, Fab. 1781, = Acont. Solaris, Schiff. 1776.
1014. Bankia argentula, Hub. 1786, = Hyela Bankiana, Fab. 1775.
1016. Hydrelia unca, Schiff. 1776, =. , uncana, Lin. 1761.

* In Guenée’s Index in the Annales, x. p. 239, this species is called glareosa, Esp.
the true glareosa, Esp. being called Hebraica, Hiub., an error that is followed in the
Syn. Cat.: — but in the Nuctuélites, i. 324, he has properly adopted the name glareo-
Sa, giving Hebraica, Hub., as a synonyme, after my Mus. Cat. pt. i. 78.

+ Agrotis alpina, West. § H. 1842.

{ Not xerampelina, Esp. 1786, which belongs to the same genus.

3742 - Insects.

Guenée. Stephens.
1161. Plusia V-aureum, * Gu. 1852, Plu. pulchrina, Haw. 1812.
£163... ,, . U-brevis, Gu. 1852, » bimaculata, St. 1829.
1173. , gutta, Gu. 1852, », confusa, St. 1850.
1028. Micra candidana, Fab. Troth. minuta.

|

GENERA.

Guenée. Stephens.
Synia, Dup, 1846, = Oria, Hib. 1816.
Laphygrina, Guen. 1852, = Telma, Hid. 1816.
Cerigo, Steph. 1829, = Thalpophila, Hib. 1816.
Grammesia, Steph. 1829, = Meristis, Hib. 1816.
Glottula, Guen. 1837, = Brisbys, Hib. 1816.
Trachea, Gu. 1852, not Hiib. = Panolis, Hib. 1816.
Cerastis, Och. 1816, = Orrhodia, Hib. 1816.
Scopelosoma, Curt. 1837, = Eupecilia, Hud. 1816.
Cirredia, Guen. 1839, = Alethuria, Hiib. 1816.
Tethea, Hib. 1816, not typical, = Ipimorpha, Awd. 1816.
Ilarus, Boisd. 1840, = Eremobia, Steph. 1829.
Jaspidia, Botsd. 1840, = Diacope, Hitb. 1816.
Heliodes, Guen. 1841, = Panemeria, Hib. 1816.
Agrophila, Bozsd. 1840, = Eumelia, Hiib. 1816.
Mania, Och. 1816, not typical, = Nenia, Steph. 1829.

Phytometra, Haw.1810,nottyp. = Prothymia, Hid. 1816.

It does not appear to me that the Hiibnerian generic names above
quoted are more barbarous or less euphonious than their synonymes.
With the above exceptions, and the location of a few of the species,*
the genera adopted by Guenée compared with those proposed and
employed by me, though they are somewhat differently arranged in
parts, — in fact, his arrangement seems based on that of the Wiener
Verzeichniss.

It is beyond my province, here, to remark upon the foreign genera
and species, but as evidence that similar changes occur in them, [
shall merely draw attention to the first new species, Thyatyra (as it is
called, not Thyatira, vide Zool.) abrasa, Gu. No. 2, i. 12,—an in-
sect long known and figured in England (1840) by the name T. scrip-
ta, but which is not alluded to by Guenée.

Having thus replied to the “ Notes,” so far as relates to the Noctu-
élites, —a task unwillingly and with regret forced upon me, in jus-
tification of my own character, as well as in deference to the credit of

* Guenée refers to the names in Jtalics.

Insects. 3743

one’s own country,—I have but one other paragraph connected there-
with to take into consideration ; namely, the opening one, in conjunc-
tion with the eulogistic review of the work, (Zool. 3532). In the first
it is stated that “no work at all approaching it has ever appeared in
England;” and in the review that it “is in all respects a model for
future labourers in the same field,” — the context implying as a mo-
nograph.

Whether it eclipses the fame of the world-wide celebrated ‘ Mono-
graphia Apum Angliz,’ with all its erudition, the care bestowed upon
the descriptions of the several sections, species, &c., [I leave to the
candour of the reader to decide, after his perusal of the following
notes, which will also tend to controvert, or modify, the opinion ex-
pressed in the review.

1. The absence of specific characters; or of any clew for readily
ascertaining the species.

2. The substitution of millemétres for the usual scientific measures
of length.

3. The numerous subdivisions of genera into groupes, &c. — the
greater part of which are uncharacterized: e.g. the genus Agrotis into
13 groupes and 23 subordinate divisions, only three or four of which
are alluded to by Guenée!!

4, The old species for the most part only referred to, and no descrip-
tions annexed,—247 out of 669 in the first volume alone. (This most
serious defect in a monograph, imposes upon the student the necessity
of a large outlay to obtain the books requisite to ascertain the species
omitted: e. g., the works of Hiibner alone, with their continuation,
costing ninety guineas, and, except by a favourable chance, not to be
procured at a lower rate !)

5. An indefensible innovation in the nomenclature: e. g., in vol. i.
389, “ Hoporina croceago, Albin”; vol. ii. 339, “ Plusia V-aureum,
Engr.” ; vol. i. 43, “ Acronycta tridens, Roes.” ; none of these names
to be found in the authors quoted ; some of whom wrote before the
invention of the binomial nomenclature by Linné, whose authority is
quoted for Acronycta Psi, although Albin and Roesel are both referred
to by Guenée :—there are dozens of such instances.

6. The omission to notice at least one-third of the works published
on the Noctuz during the past twenty-five years: of Zetterstedt—one
of the most important writers—all we learn is, ‘‘ M. Zetterstedt dres-

* The genus Epunda seems to be as heterogeneous an assemblage of species as
any of Hiibner’s depreciated groups.

3744 Insects.

sait le Catalogue des espéces de la Laponie,” (Intr. lxxxvii). Of this
work, so curtly despatched, it may be observed, that it is a folio vo-
lume of 570 pages, closely printed in double columns, and containing
carefully drawn up descriptions in Latin of nearly 4000 Lapland in-.
sects — amongst which are 73 Noctuz, 25 of which are new species,
entirely unnoticed, unless by new names, by Guenée — interspersed
are remarks upon at least 2000 Swedish species ;—the work was pub-
lished in 1840, and in the Preface, dated April, 1839, reference is
made to the then recent European works (Parisian among the rest) to
December, 1838. And moreover, the work itself is the sole instance
in which all the known insects of any country have been described
according to modern views, during the present century: and since its
conclusion, its indefatigable author has supplied us with a still more
complete work on the Scandinavian Diptera, in eleven volumes, 8vo.,
containing full descriptions of 3388 species !

7. The omission of the majority of the synonymes in the Index.

Reader ! procure Guenée’s Noctuélites, and judge for yourself whe-
ther I have stated a single point “ unfairly ” !

J. F. STEPHENS.
Eltham Cottage, Foxley Road, Brixton,
September 16, 1852.

P.S.— A concluding question, if not an “unfair” one. In what
part of Scotland do Ceenophila subrosea and Agrotis lunigera, Mus.
Cat. occur? Guenée says “Angleterre et Ecosse, en Juillet” (i. 338)
for the former, and Ecosse (i. 280) for the latter.—J. F. S.

[Since the proof of this paper was sent to its author, that gifted
entomologist has breathed his last: it is therefore published without
that revision and careful correction which it would no doubt have re-
ceived from his experienced hand. I have never seen a paper from
the pen of Mr. Stephens in which this revising process was so essen-
tial, since it abounds with assertions as to simple facts which must
either have been penned from memory, and without reference to the
authorities cited, or the writer’s meaning must have been misunder-
stood in the printing-room. I allude to such passages as this : —

“ Guenée. *¢ Stephens.
“995. Acontia albicollis Fab. 1781, = Acontia solaris, Schiff. 1776.”

Insects. 3745

On reference to Guenée, it appears that that author gives these as dis-
tinct species without doubt or hesitation, and that he occupies nearly
two pages in elaborately describing their differences. From the line
quoted, as well as from the context, it would appear that the names
are synonymous, but that Guenée has not adopted the earlier one: it
is evident that Mr. Stephens overlooked the second species and the
long diagnosis, an oversight which, in common with the rest, it is
now unfortunately too late to remedy. It is scarcely necessary to say
that the pages of the ‘ Zoologist’ are closed for ever against a conti-
nuation of the discussion of which this paper forms a part. I have not
the slightest idea that any will be attempted, but I think it desirable to
give this early decision on the subject, lest any of my correspondents
should incline to controvert the statements of one no longer able to
defend or explain them. Mr. James Francis Stephens died at his
residence, Eltham Cottage, Foxley Road, Brixton, on Wednesday
morning, the 21st of December, in the sixty-first year of his age, after
a short but very severe illness. He was a Fellow of the Linnean and
Zoological Societies, and a Member of the Entomological Society
and Entomological Club: he was also the author of a large portion
of Shaw’s ‘ British Zoology,’ of the well-known ‘ Illustrations of Bri-
tish Entomology, of a ‘Systematic Catalogue of British Insects,’
a ‘Manual of British Lepidoptera, ‘A List of the Specimens of Lepi-
doptera in the British Museum, Parts I. and II. (the third part still
in the press), and various minor papers scattered through our periodi-
cals, but chiefly in the ‘ Zoologist.’ He will however be most favora-
bly known to the large circle of British entomologists who enjoyed
his acquaintance, by the unbounded and long-continued liberality
with which his enormous collections and extensive entomological li-
brary were placed at their disposal, and by the untiring courtesy and
attention with which he imparted his great knowledge of Entomology,
and assisted every seeker for information in the extensive science in
which he had become so proficient. This trait in the character of
the departed entomologist, is worthy of our warmest admiration
and gratitude, and must be lastingly impressed upon the memory of
all who, during the last thirty years, had occasion to seek instruction
at his hands.— Edward Newman.|

XI. E

3746 Insects.

On * Robber-bees :” the Phenomenon thus denominated attributed
to the Presence of the Honey-moth. By Octavius PicKkarp-
CaMBRIDGE, Esq.

On the 15th of last September, our gardener came to me, in great
tribulation, to say that “ the robbers” were attacking one of my bee-
hives. I immediately went to see the state of affairs, and found a
great commotion at the mouth of the hive, bees hurrying in and out,
crowding and tumbling over one another, some fighting, and a few,
dead, lying on the ground (this was a wooden box-hive); and on
drawing back the shutter of the window the same state of commotion
and excitement prevailed within. A very few minutes’ observation
showed me that the cells were being opened, and the honey extracted;
and also that the young bees were being brought ont of the hive, and
carried off. So my first operation was to stop the entrance entirely,
with a zinc slide; and, this done, the bees now congregated in clus-
ters, trying every crevice and corner to effect an entrance; (this was
about & p.m.) The commotion inside still continued; and, wishing
to see what would become of the swarms of bees collected outside
the hive, I remained watching till it grew dusk, when they began to
fly away, mostly, as far as I could see, in one direction, until, by dark,
not one remained. I left the entrance still stopped by the slide; and
by daylight next morning the bees began to return, making furious
efforts to get inside, tumbling and fighting as before; and by 8 a.m.
the front of the hive was crowded as on the previous evening, the
bees inside seeming as anxious to get out as those outside to get in.
This state of things existed the whole day; and just before dark,
when the last of the bees outside had taken their departure, in the
same manner, and apparently in the same direction as before, I drew
back the zine slide, which was no sooner removed than the inhabitants
poured out, as thick. and fast as the aperture (two inches wide) would
admit, and flew straight away, in exactly the same direction as all
those outside had previously taken. Not knowing what to make of
this, and while they were still pouring out, I again inserted the slide,
and left them for the night.

The next morning, by daylight, the same scene of riot and confu-
sion was enacted, and continued throughout the day, the bees outside
all departing, just before dusk, as on the previous evening; and on
my again pulling out the slide (which had been in the whole day),
immediately the bees issued out again, flying off as before, until quite
dark, when I re-inserted the slide.

Insects. 3747

Having inthe mean time consulted all the parish authorities on bee-
keeping, their opinion (the prevalent one here) was, that the hive was
attacked by strange bees, or “ robbers,” who would continue to return
and renew their attacks as long as the hive remained in its place with a
bit of honey in it; and that probably the bees that left the hive every
night on my withdrawing the zinc slide from the entrance, were some
of the robbers who had got inside previous to my discovering the state
of the hive, on the 15th, and they, having been sorely ill-treated by
the lawful inhabitants, were glad to make their exit and escape on the
first opportunity. All this seemed plausible enough, especially as the
hive became quieter and quieter after each efflux, and, as far as I
could see through the windows, no more cells had been tapped; but
the combs were full, and so far as perfect as at the end of the first
day’s row; though, outside, the bees seemed more numerous, and as
eager to get in as ever. |

This explanation did not satisfy me, for on a close examination there
did not appear to be more than a hundred or two bees left in the hive;
so I resolved to put it to the test, by killing, the next morning, as they
arrived, every bee that came to renew the attack, all of which, accord-
ing to the popular opinion, were the “ robbers,” and which, being got
rid of, the usual work of the hive would of course proceed without
molestation. So the next morning, by day-break, I commenced the
slaughter, and in the course of a few hours had killed thousands, the
ground becoming black with the slain, and so continued to kill them
until they ceased coming. By this time the slain must have amounted
to nearly as many in number as is contained in an ordinary swarm.
However, the next day a few still came, and were also killed; and [
determined that when evening came the hive should be fumigated with
fungus-smoke, and the state of the hive, and number of inhabitants,
ascertained. This being done, by inserting the nose of a pair of fumi-
gating bellows into the entrance of the hive, so as to preclude the
possibility of any bees escaping, and having removed the hive, I found
my conjectures correct, for there were not nearly 200 bees in it, and
no queen among them. As in this state of things it was useless to
restore it to its place, I killed these few bees; and, with the excep-
tion of the bottoms of the combs being a good deal gnawed (the dust
and crumbs of which were strewed about the floor-board), I found
very little honey gone, and the combs apparently sound and good, the
hive, as it stood, weighing 40 tbs., of which the hive itself was 12
tbs. weight.

Now, the question is, Where bat all the lawful inhabitants of the

3748 Insects.

hive? The “yobbers” were certainly all-dead; but they had not
killed the inhabitants, as when the first alarm was given, though there
was fighting, yet there were not probably more than one hundred or
so dead ones lying about; and the nature and habits of bees in
defence of their property precluded the idea of their having been
previously expelled by the robbers without a severe struggle, which
must have caused the death of myriads on both sides. In fact, the
- parish bee-keepers could make nothing of it !

This “ Eating out of hives by robber-bees,” as it is here called, is
by no means of rare occurrence; and a cottager with fourteen or fif-
teen hives, full and in good condition, at the beginning of September,
thinks himself well off to escape with the loss of two of his hives.
When thoroughly eaten out, the very comb is often gnawed to pieces,
and strewed about in front of the hive. I have known one cottager
lose four out of ten hives in the course of a few days; and I have
myself lost one or two out of about the same number every year since
I have kept bees ; and what I saw last year on the occasion of losing
a box-hive, thoroughly ransacked and eaten out in one day, between
the hours of 11 and 5, made me suspect the commonly received notion
_ of “robber, or stranger, bees,” and induced me to watch the process
closely at the first opportunity. This hive (lost last year) was per-
fectly quiet, to. all appearance, at 10 a.m. By 11, exactly the same
scene of riot and disorder that I have detailed above prevailed; and
when I came to examine it at 5 p.m. (not having been able to be on
the spot during the interval), the hive was completely deserted, with
not a bee or drop of honey in it, and the whole fabric of combs a
complete wreck, and a few, perhaps 200, dead bees lying round. As
it happened, all my hives had been weighed a night or two before ;
and this one was upwards of 45 tbs. weight, and, being only of
one year’s standing, I have no doubt contained 244 tbs. of pure
honey. A large bell-glass on the top of the hive, also nearly
full of honey, was completely pillaged, and the comb, being fine
and tender, literally reduced to powder. Thus, here was this great
quantity of honey carried off, and all the damage done, during the
short space of a few hours. The aperture in this hive was nearly
five inches wide, which would afford additional facility for carrying
off the honey, and so may account for the very short space of time in
which it was done, though I have heard of several other instances in
which the operation has been equally short and decisive. I have
never heard of a case in which, after this commotion had commenced
at the entrance of a hive, and nothing done until all was quiet again,

Insects. 3749

there has ever been an atom of honey saved, or a bee left in the hive,
nor more killed than the few I have described. The common prac-
tice among the cottagers is, the moment the “ sound” of robbers is
heard, and a commotion and fighting is observed at the entrance, to
cover the whole hive completely, with cloths, and, having killed all
the bees collecting round it, burn in the hive, the same evening; and
accordingly, as the row has been discovered earlier or later after its
commencement, more or less honey is generally saved ; and as, among
the lower classes of bee-keepers, there is seldom, if ever, the means or
ability to make close observations on the process of “ robbing a hive,”
this opinion of “robbers” has always been, and still is, implicitly
believed among them. The sound just spoken of is very peculiar.
Instead of the busy hum commonly heard near the bee-garden, you
may see numerous bees shooting backwards and forwards, with great
velocity, to the extent of sometimes one or two hundred yards dis-
tance, with a sharp, ringing hum, which, once heard, can never be
mistaken, but is difficult to describe.

Now, my own idea, and the only way in which I can account for
most of the circumstances I have related, is, that, for some reason or
other, the bees find it necessary to quit the hive, and having left it,
and found out a new and more suitable abode, return, to transfer to it
the stores of honey in the objectionable hive. The smell of the honey,
which, when the cells are opened, is extremely strong, would be sure
to attract other bees from neighbouring hives, and possibly from those
immediately contiguous ; and hence what small degree of fighting and
slaughter there actually is would be accounted for; and on this sup-
position the only difficulty is, to find out why the bees should leave
an apparently sound and comfortable abode.

Now, in the autumn of 1849, I had a hive eaten out in this man-
ner; and on cleaning out the empty comb it was thrown by, into a
box, and forgotten, being of no apparent use or value. However, in
the spring following, wanting to make use of the box, I was proceed-
ing to turn out the contents, when I found it alive with the larve of
the honey-moth (Achroia alvearia), which by August produced my-
riads of the perfect insects. These, depositing their eggs, gave birth
to thousands more larve, which, increasing both in size and number,
had by the summer of 1851 completely consumed the whole of the
comb. There was a peculiar smell attached to this comb, which I
observed both at the time it was “ eaten out” and until consumed by
the honey-moth; and I have observed the same smell in all the hives
J have since had “ eaten out;” but unfortunately all the comb, except

3750 Inseets.

that of the hive of which I have given the above detail of the process
of “eating out,” was destroyed without my knowledge; so I was
unable to ascertain whether it also produced these insects. However,
having, this year, saved the empty comb, I shall carefully watch whe-
ther it produces them or not; and if this should be the result it will
go some way towards proving that the bees were aware of the attack
of this insidious and formidable enemy, and had evacuated the pre-
mises before all the fruits of their labour should be destroyed, and
themselves starved out; and this may prove one of the numberless
striking instances of the wonderful instinct with which bees, in com-
mon with all the rest of the unintelligent creation, are endowed,’ for
their safety and preservation, as man is endowed with reason, 7. e, the
ability to compare, judge, and act upon the evidences of his senes, for
his preservation.

1 should feel under great obligation to any of your correspondents
or readers who may be able either to confirm or the contrary my
theory of “robbers,” and whether the facts I have detailed are preva-
lent all over the country, and what are ¢heir conclusions from those
facts, and if there is any remedy against being “ eaten out ;” in short,
anything they may have observed in the matter. |

The old bee-keepers here say that no such things as “‘ robber-bees,”
in this way, were known twenty-five or thirty years ago, but that it is
quite of recent date (though I am unable to find out precisely what
that date is). If my theory of the honey-moth is correct, its recency
would be accounted for, by the fact that this insect has been, until
within a few years, accounted rare by entomologists, and, being so,
would hardly have had much effect in bee-hives; but for some few
years past it has become very common, and consequently would be
proportionably destructive. I have never yet detected, in this neigh-
bourhood, the honeycomb-moth (Galleria cereana), which has, I
believe, in some places been found to be very destructive among bees,
and was bred in large numbers by Mr. Doubleday, of Epping, some
nine or ten years ago. It would be interesting, and a great gratifica-
tion to me particularly, if any of your correspondents or readers could
inform me of the manner in which the attacks of this last insect on
bee-hives are conducted, and how they are received by the bees; and
this might possibly throw some light on the present case.

OcTAViUS PICKARD-CAMBRIDGE.

Bloxworth House, Blandford, Dorset,
November 27, 1852.

Zoological Society. 3751

P.S.—I omitted to state, in the above account, a curious circum-
stance, viz., that throughout the whole operation of watching the hive,
and killing all the bees (the aromatic smell of whose bodies was pecu-
liarly strong and disagreeable), not a single bee gave any sign of iras-
cibility, their whole aim and attention being to get into the hive.
Now, under ordinary circumstances, as I have frequently found, to
my cost, the slightest: meddling with the hive, and sometimes even
standing close to it, much less killing the inhabitants, is sufficient to
bring numbers of angry bees dashing about you, with that peculiar
sharp-sounding flight called by the villagers here ‘“ coming at you
spitishly.”—O. P.-C.

Proceedings of the Zoological Society.

November 23, 1852. — Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the chair. |

The Secretary exhibited a series of skulls of the gouwa (Bos frontalis), commonly
called “ the bison” by the English in India. These skulls had been presented to the
Society by Capt. Wycliffe Thompson, 10th Royal Hussars, who had himself collected
them in the Western Ghauts, or Sukyadri Mountains, expressly for this purpose. The
skulls represented an adult bull, a cow, and a younger animal. They formed the sub-
ject of a very interesting communication, addressed by Capt. Thompson to the Secre-
tary, in which he narrated the result of his hunting reminiscences while in pursuit of
several herds, in the hope of obtaining a pair of living calves, which he had, at the
request of Colonel Perronet Thompson, been desirous of capturing and adding as a
gift to the Society’s collection. The range of the gouwa appears to be exclusively
confined to the Western Ghauts, a narrow belt of wild, broken, and thickly wooded
country, dividing the highlands of the Deccan from the lowlands which border the
margin of the sea. The gouwa attains an enormous size, old bulls being currently
estimated as measuring nineteen hands at the shoulder, with a corresponding weight,
notwithstanding which they crash through the jungle when fairly alarmed, at a very
rapid pace, making their progress visible by a long track of waving branches tossing
above them like the wake of a ship at sea.

Mr. Cuming communicated the description of a new species of Hyrax, discovered
in Fernando Po, by Mr. L. Fraser, H.M. Vice Consul at Whidah, and named by him
Hyrax dorsalis.

M. Deshayes presented to the meeting the description of twenty new species of
Cardita, from the collection of Mr. Cuming.

_ Among the objects placed on the table for exhibition, was a magnificent head of
Ovis Vignei, from Persia, the property of Mr. Burckhart Barker—D. W. M.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

December 6, 1852.—J. O. Westwoop, Esq., President, in the chair.
The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the

3752 Entomological Society.

donors:—The ‘ Zoologist’ for December; by the Editor. The ‘Athenzeum’ for Novem-
ber; by the Editor. The ‘Literary Gazette’ for November; by the Editor. ‘ Proceed-
edings of the Royal Society, Vol. vi. No. 88—90 ; by the Society. ‘ Journal of the
Society of Arts, No. 2, and ‘ List of Subjects for Premiums ;’ by the Society. ‘ De-
scription of a new Hemipterous Insect, Atelides centrolineatus, forming the Type of
a new Genus,’ by W. S. Dallas, Esq., F.1..8.; by the Author. Specimens of Pytho de-
pressus (3), Cetonia enea (4), Libellula arctica (2), Ctenophora atrata (2); by Mr. Wea-
ver. <A. box of British Lepidoptera; by Mr. Douglas. Specimens in illustration of
the metamorphoses of six species of Strepsiptera from Albania ; by Mr.S.S. Saunders.

Henry Tompkins, Esq., of Lewes, was elected a Subscriber to the Society.

The President exhibited some new Coleoptera from Ceylon and China, from the
collection of Major Champion.

Mr. F. Grant exhibited a male Lucanus Cervus, of which the right hind leg was
much smaller than the left one; a remarkable variety of Triphena janthina; and a
long series of Peronea rufana, illustrating the variation of the species.

Mr. Douglas, on behalf of Mr. H. Cooke, exhibited a remarkably dark red variety
of Hypochalcia ahenella, taken at Hastings.

Mr. Edward Sheppard exhibited some English ship-biscuit that had been a voyage
to America and back, infested with Stene ferruginea and a species of Apate.

Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a remarkable variety of Vanessa Urtice, bred from a
larva taken near London; a specimen of Pieris Daplidice, taken by E. C. Buxton,
Esq., at Holme Fen ; and an example of Notodonta tritophus, captured in Scotland,
from the collection of the same gentleman. He also exhibited a specimen of Mono-
chamus Sutor, found on the banks of the Regent’s Canal; one of Pogonocherus fasci-
culatus, bred from the hoop of a cask; and a selection of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera
from a collection just received from Mundo Nova, Rio Grande, where they were cap-
tured by Mr. Plant. Many were rare or new, and all were in fine condition.

Mr. Waterhouse observed that many of the species were also found at Rio Janeiro,
about 500 miles north of this locality, but there was a perceptible variation, although
not amounting to specific distinction, between the insects of the two places.

The first part of an interesting and valuable memoir by S. S. Saunders, Esq., was
read, entitled ‘‘ Notices of some new Species of Strepsipterous Insects from Albania,
with further Observations on the Habits and Transformations of these Parasites,” in
which several unknown points in the economy of these insects are elucidated.

Mr. Douglas read a continuation of his “Memvir on the Natural History of Bri-
tish Micro-Lepidoptera,” the genera Gracillaria and Lithocolletis being illustrated by
descriptions of the larvz and their economy of three species of each genus, accompa-
nied by coloured drawings by Mr. Wing.

The Secretary read the following remarks from a note accompanying Mr. Weaver’s
donation : — “ The Ctenophora pectinicornis I procured from hard undecayed stumps
of trees, in which the larve make deep round holes, working quickly up and’ down
them at their pleasure, and taking care to form an opening for the imago to emerge.”

The President read a letter from Mr. James Crook, Turton, near Bolton, Lanca-
shire, offering certain northern Lepidoptera in exchange for southern species.

The next part of the Society’s ‘ Transactions,’ it was announced, would be ready in
a few days.—J. W. D.

Birds. 3753

The Osprey (Falco Halietus) in Surrey —One of these rare birds was shot on the
18th of October in the grounds of Milford House, near Godalming. It had just cap-
tured a fish of nearly a pound weight. Another was seen in the neighbourhood about
the same time.—G. J. Webb ; Brasenose College, Oxford, November 15, 1852.

Occurrence of the Long-eared Owl (Strix Otus) and Fire-crested Regulus (Kegulus
ignicapillus) near Penzance. — A specimen of the first-mentioned species occurred a
day or two since at Trevayler, and proved to be a male in fine plumage, with the tufts
well developed. The fire-crested Regulus appears to visit us in greater or less num-
bers about this time every year ; one was observed near Marazion a few days since by
Mr. Vingue.—Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, December 8, 1852.

Occurrence of the Black Redstart (Sylvia Tithys) ut Bembridge. — On the 9th of
December last I met with a single individual of this species, on the sea-shore here, in
company with several rock pipits. This is quite confirmatory of the bird being an ac-
cidental winter visitor to our southern coast.—A. G. More ; Bembridge, Isle of Wight,
January 10, 1853.

Note on the late Occurrence of the Blackcap Warbler.—On the 22nd of December
a gentleman in this county, while walking in his garden, knocked down with his stick
a male blackcap warbler, in full plumage: the bird was fat, but the stomach empty.
—J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk, January 4, 1853.

Note on the Cole Titmouse (Parus ater). — This summer I have had many clumps
of sun-flowers about the place, which have of late been a great attraction to several
species of titmouse, and thus a source of much pleasure to myself. The cole titmouse
especially, which I had seen little of until I came here, has been so abundant that T
have seen two or three at a time digging away with their bills at the head of the same
flower, and now that they have left them like an empty honey-comb, they are in num-
bers under the beech-trees, feeding on the fallen mast.— William C. Hewitson ; Oat-
lands, November 21, 1852.

Supposed Occurrence of the Rufous Swallow (Hirundo rufula) near Penzance.—A
circumstance was mentioned to me yesterday, which may be regarded as interesting
and worth a place in the ‘ Zovlogist,’ as coming from a naturalist whose general accu-
racy may be depended upon implicitly. Mr. Vingoe, of this place, whose name has
before frequently appeared in your pages, introduced the subject by remarking that
he had a strong suspicion that he had discovered, in the later months of the past sum-
mer, the rufous swallow. His attention was for some time directed to an individual
amongst several others, that exhibited an uniform copper colour over the whole of the
under parts. At the time he had not seen a figure of the bird in Gould’s work, but
having occasion afterwards to refer to one of the numbers, he accidentally saw the
figure of the rufous swallow, and at onve recognized it as the new bird he had seen.
_ At a subsequent period I may have to refer to this subject again, and it will then be
probably when the bird is captured, and the authority of Mr. Vingoe supported by the
fact—Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, November 27, 1852.

Swallows in November. — I have never before this year had the pleasure of seeing
swallows in November, and had therefore, with the last days of October, most reluc-
tantly wished them farewell, not expecting to see them again before the sunny days of
spring ; they are however yet here, and to-day (November 21) I have had four house-
martins about the house. On the 18th I saw two chimney-swallows at Esher.— W. C.
Hewitson ; Oatlands, November 21, 1852,

XI, F

3754 - Birds.

The Chukar Partridge, (Caccabis chukar).— “ About the same time [the middle
of March, 1848], I was invited by the Thannadar of Iskardo to be present at a hunt- °
ing party, which he had arranged for the capture of the chakor, or painted partridge,
by surrounding a spot of ground, in which these birds are numerous, with a ring of
men, who, approaching from all directions, gradually form a dense circle of perhaps a
hundred yards in diameter. When the partridges are disturbed by a horseman in this
inclosure, they naturally fly towards the living wall by which they are surrounded,
Loud shouts and the beating of drums and waving of caps and cloaks, turn them back,
and they are driven from side to side, till at last, exhausted with fatigue, and stupid
from the noise and confusion, they sink to the ground, and allow themselves to be
caught by hand. The scene was a very striking one. The spot selected was a deep
dell, full of rocks, but without trees. The sport, however, did not seem so successful
as usual, six or eight birds only being captured. The chakor is an extremely com-
mon bird in all parts of the valley of the Indus, and indeed throughout Tibet. In
winter, when the hills are covered with snow, they are to be found in great numbers
close to the river, even in the immediate neighbourhood of the villages; and in gene-
ral, when approached, they lie very close among the crevices of the stones.” — From
Dr. Thomas Thomson’s ‘ Western Himalaya and Tibet, p. 261.

Woodcock breeding in England. — My number of the ‘Zoologist’ for September
last having been mislaid, it was only a day or two since that I saw articles in it re-
spectiug the “ Breeding of the Woodcock in England.” As the fact seems to be con-
sidered of rare occurrence, I think it may be acceptable to your correspondents to re-
record, that during a residence of eight years in the neighbourhood of Usk, in Mon-
mouthshire, I knew the woodcock to breed annually in several woods not far from my
house. On the Ist of May, 1845, a young bird, nearly full grown, was brought to me
by one of my men, proving how early it must have been hatched. I believe this bird
to remain with us in every suitable situation for the purpose of breeding; but large,
quiet, and deep woods are indispensably necessary to a bird of such shy and retired
habits.— William Knapp ; Harts Cottage, Alveston, Bristol, December 10, 1852.

Unusually large Woodcock.—A woodcock was sent to me a short time since, killed
at Trengwainton, near this place, which, from its size and weight, I was induced to
place in the scales. It proved to weigh exactly 16 oz., which is a fact perhaps worth
communicating.— Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, December 22, 1852.

Note on the supposed Abundance of Woodcocks (Scolopax rusticola) in Norfolk.—
The great number of woodcocks which have been met with this season at some places
in Norfolk, is perhaps worthy of notice, and the more so as it would be, I think, desir-
able to ascertain, whether a corresponding increase has been observed in other parts
of the kingdom. But at the same time I have heard of so many instances in which
the number seen or killed during a day’s shooting has fallen far short of what was ex-
pected, that I hardly think now, though at first I was of the contrary opinion, that the
country generally has been this season visited by a greater number than usual. I could
cite many instances, but as they would possess little beyond local interest, I will con-
fine myself to some extreme examples. In the first week in December, 30 and 33
were respectively killed, on two successive days, at Melton Constable near Holt; and
on the next day, the same shooting party bagged 93 in the Great Wood, in the ad-
joining parish of Swanton Novers. I have been informed on good authority, that no
such number as this last has been seen there for twenty years; and further, that at
least 110 might have been killed if the other game had been disregarded; but this

Birds. 3755

place is supposed to be the best ground for woodeocks in Norfolk. Felbrigg near Cro-
‘mer, and Holkham also, have a high reputation for the number of woodcocks usually
killed there, and this year their character has not forsaken them ; for at the former
place 27, 30, 15, and 21 respectively were killed on four days in the second and third
weeks of December ; and at the latter 29 in one day, about the same time. Now, on
the other hand, Fakenham Wood, considered the most favourable locality in this part
of Suffolk for these birds, was beaten at the end of October, with a slaughter of three
only, while often 15 or 20, and on more than one occasion 30, have been killed there
in years by no means extraordinary. Nor can it, I think, be urged that this short-
coming was only in consequence of the wood having been shot through early in the
season, for I was told by an eye-witness that when the wood was drawn by the hounds
only a week ago, he did not see a single bird, although he was on the look-out all the
time. Here, at Elveden, the number of woodcocks killed has certainly been above
the annual average for the preceding ten years, but at the same time it has fallen still
shorter of the returns for the seasons ending in 1850 and 1844. I should observe that
the places in Norfolk that I have mentioned above as having been frequented this sea-
son by a great number of these birds, are at no great distance frum the sea, and the
same may be said of the other localities to which report has assigned a like visitation ;
it may therefore be that owing to so much of the country being under water, to the
very mild weather, or to some other such reason, the woodcoeks have been either con-
strained to haunt the places at which they first landed, or else have had no induce-
ment, in the shape of scarcity of food, to quit them. ‘These suggestions, and the true
solution, I leave to the readers of the ‘ Zoologist.’— Alfred Newton ; Elveden Hall,
January 7, 1853.

Occurrence of the Little Auk (Uria Alle) in the City of Durham.— The late gales
have brought to our coast many rare northern visitors, but I think the circumstance
of the little auk (Urza Alle) being taken so far inland as the heart of the city of Dur-
ham, is almost unprecedented. A fine specimen was discovered by some workmen on
Friday fortnight, the 26th ult., in the garden of E. Shipperdson, Esq., in the South
Bailey, not far from the banks of the river Wear. It had apparently been just killed
by a cat, as it was quite warm, and torn in the breast. The specimen is in the hands
of Mr. Proctor, of the University Museum. — H. B. Tristram ; Castle Eden Parson-
age, December 9, 1852.

Occurrence of the Puffin (Fratercula arctica) in Winter off the Isle of Wight. — A
dead puffin was picked up on the 4th of this month in Whitecliff Bay, perhaps a vic-
tim to the late stormy weather. — A. G. More ; Bembridge, Isle of Wight, January
10, 1853.

Occurrence of the Sooty Tern (Sterna fuliginosa) in England. —I have the plea-
sure to record the occurrence of a bird near Burton-on-Trent, new, not only to the
Fauna of Britain, but also to that of Europe. About four months ago it was reported
to me that a strange bird had been killed at Tutbury, near this town, which, as my
informant said, was a gull-billed tern. Being at the time very much engaged in bu-
siness, and knowing that the specimen was not leaving the neighbourhood, I did not
hurry to visit and examine it; in the mean time the bird was purchased by H. W.
Des Veeux, Esq., of Drakelow Hall, and added to his collection of indigenous speci-
mens. On seeing it there a few days ago, I at once saw that it was no previously re-
corded British species; and on referring to Wilson, Latham, &c., it became evident
that it was the sooty tern, (Sterna fuliginosa), Considering that this species is so

3756 Reptiles.

widely dispersed over the globe, that it is abundant in Australia and in some of the
South Sea Islands, and is also found on nearly the whole length of the American
coasts, the only wonder is that it has not frequently wandered to Europe. . The speci-
men is in fine condition, and if you think it desirable to have a representation of it, I
shall be happy to send you a drawing, as Mr. Des Veeux has kindly consented to lend
me the specimen for the purpose. In this instance at least theré can be no question
as to whether the individual was truly a wild specimen, or had been kept in captivity,
as I believe no successful efforts have ever been made to confine the terns. — ees
Brown ; Burton-on-Trent, December 20, 1852.

Occurrence of the Fork-tailed Petrel (Procellaria Leachii) near Penzance.—A spe-
cimen of this bird was picked up dead at Pleming, near this town, a few days since,
in an emaciated state. Its occurrence on this coast.is rare. — Edward Hearle Rodd ;
Penzance, November 27, 1852.

The Great Sea Serpent.— TI have lately received the following account from my
brother, Capt. Steele, 9th Lancers, who, on his way out to India in the Barham, saw
the sea-serpent. Thinking it might be interesting to you, as corroborating the account
of the Dedalus, I have taken the liberty of sending you the extract from my brother’s
letter. ‘On the 28th of August, in long. 40° E., lat. 37° 16'S., about half past 2,
we had all gone down below to get ready for dinner, when the first mate called us on
deck to see a most extraordinary sight. About 500 yards from the ship there was the
head and neck of an enormous snake ; we saw about 14 or 20 feet out of the water,
and he spouted a long way from his head ; down his back he had a crest like a cock’s
comb, and was going very slowly through the water, but left a wake of about 50 or 60
feet, as if dragging a long body after him. The captain put the ship off her course to
run down to him ; but as we approached him he went down. His colour was green,
with light spots. He was seen by every one on board.” My brother is no naturalist,
and I think this is the first time the monster has been ever seen to spout. — Thos.
Steele, Lt. Col. Coldstream Guards ; 21, Upper Brook St., December 13, 1852.

The Sea Serpent.—I am told by a gentleman whose brother was on board the ship
(the Barham) referred to in the following extract from ‘ The ‘Times’ newspaper of No-
vember 17, 1852, that the occurrence there related took place between 35° and 40° S.
lat. and 40° and 45° E. long., being about 650 miles due south of Madagascar. I un-
derstand that the particulars of the event as there stated closely agree with those fur-
nished to my informant, and further, which is perhaps the most interesting part of the
whole circumstance, that the animal was observed to “blow” or “spout” in the same
manner that a whale does.— Alfred Newton.

“ Extract from an Officer's Letter written between the Cape and Madras. — You
will be surprised to hear that we have actually seen the great sea serpent, about which
there has been so much discussion. Information was given by a sailor to the captain
just as we were going to dinner. I was in my cabin at the time, and from the noise and
excitement I thought the ship was on fire. I rushed on deck, and on looking over
the side of the vessel I saw a most wonderful sight, which I shall recollect as long as
I live. His head appeared to be about 16 feet above the water, and he kept moving
it up and down, sometimes showing his enormous neck, which was surmounted with

Reptiles. 3757

a huge crest in the shape of a saw. It was surrounded by hundreds of birds, and we
at first thought it was a dead whale. He left a track in the water like the wake of a
boat, and from what we could see of his head and part of his body we were led to think
he must be about 60 feet in length, but he might be more. The captain kept the ves-
sel away to get nearer to him, and when we were within a hundred yards he slowly
sank into the depths of the sea. While we were at dinner he was seen again, and a
midshipman took a sketch of him, of which I will send you a copy."-—The Times.
Note on the *‘ Yellow Boa,’ (Chilabotbrus inornatus).— About three months ago a
female yellow snake was presented to us, which was brought from the Forest Estate,
Trelawny, in the island of Jamaica. For some time after its arrival it appeared slug-
gish and unhealthy, but this we attributed to the low temperature it experienced dur-
ing the passage, and fancied that after casting its skin it would feed and do well, but
on the 6th of November last the keeper discovered fourteen young ones in the den,
of which seven were dead and seven alive; of the latter five are still alive and doing
well, and the old one has since cast her skin, and now seems in good health. Mr.
Gosse, in his charming book on Jamaica, describes and figures this snake, which he
calls the “ Yellow Boa” (Chilabothrus inornatus), and on the whole seems to think
that it is oviparous ; and he appears to have arrived at this opinion from the circum-
stance of some eggs having been brought to him, when he was in Jamaica, from a
place there called Belmont, and which were stated to be those of the yellow snake,
and also from the fact of “Sam,” his boy, having found a boa lying on a nest of trash
made between the spurs of a fig-tree, where however no eggs were found. Mr. Gosse
afterwards mentions that on killing the female yellow snake, young ones have often
been found in her belly ; that some labourers in the Pedro mountains killed one hav-
ing twelve “grown” young ones in her, varying from 8 to 10 inches in length (the
young ones in our menagerie were about the same length on the first day); and he
concludes his notice by saying that his friend, Mr. Hill, thinks the yellow snake is vi-
viparous, a young friend of his having caught a gravid female of this species, which
after some days brought forth eleven young ones; and on this he remarks, that if there
was no error in the observation of this case, it must be considered as an “ aberration
of habit,” that the generation of the Boade is well known to be oviparous, and that
the fact he has before mentioned as having fallen under his own observation, proves
that “sometimes at least the Chilabothrus produces eggs ;” and he then asks this
question, — “ Is it possible that a serpent, normally oviparous, might retain its eggs
within the oviduct until the birth of the young, when circumstances were not propi-
tious for their deposition?” In answer to this, one is ‘tempted to ask whether it is
quite certain that the eggs brought from Belmont were really those of the yellow snake,
and whether the instances of the snake caught by Mr. Hill’s friend, and the one in our
menagerie, are not stronger proofs of its being viviparous, and especially as we do not
hear of other instances where eggs have been found? Would it be considered a fair
argument to ask why an oviparous snake should have the power of retaining her eggs
any more than a hen ?—the latter, it is certain, could not do so beyond a certain time,
whether she had a nest prepared or not, and why should the reptile? The snake in
our collection was brought over ina large box, and after her arrival was kept in a
good roomy den, and it seems difficult to account for her not having, under the cir-
cumstances, dropped her eggs if she be indeed oviparous. It appears from the books
that, so far as it is known, all poisonous snakes are viviparous. The yellow snake in
our menagerie certainly has poison-fangs, Mr. Etheridge, of our Institution, and other

3758 Fishes.

scientific gentlemen, having repeatedly examined her ; she has, besides, other charac-.
teristics of the viper tribe, and this I consider to be a very strong argument in favour
of her being viviparous. I should mention that the young ones, the day they were
discovered, exhibited the peculiarity mentioned by Mr. Gosse, — that of tearing their
bodies until they appeared to rest on the tip of the tail ; they moreover will dart open-
mouthed at anything.put near them, which act I have never observed in the young of
the Boa constrictor, of which we have reared many here. I hope these remarks will
elicit from some of your readers fuller accounts of this beautiful reptile, and that the
question of its being viviparous or the contrary may be set at rest.—Robert Coles, Hon.
Sec. Bristol and West of England Zoological Society ; December 13, 1852.

On the Artificial Introduction of a Breed of Salmon into the River
Swale, and a tributary Stream in Yorkshire. Communicated
By Joun Hoee, Esq., F.L.S.*

Mr. Hoee communicated a letter with the above title, which ap-
peared in the ‘ Durham Advertiser’ for April 16, in the present year
[1852], under the signature of Isaac Fisher, together with an unpub-
lished letter from the same gentleman, in answer to a request from Mr.
Hogg for further information ; and added some observations of his
own upon the same subject. From the letter published in the ‘ Dur-
ham Advertiser,’ it appeared that Mr. Richard Harrison of Richmond
had procured from the river Tees a brood of spawn, taken and milted
from the living fish, which he deposited on the 29th of December
last in a small tributary of the river Swale. On the 21st of March
two of the ova were brought to the house of Mr. Fisher, and placed
in a vessel of water, the foetal signs were clearly distinguished, and in
two days more they became living fish; he is consequently satisfied
that the salmon is now restored to the river Swale, from which it has
of late years been banished. In answer to Mr. Hogg’s inquiries, Mr.
Fisher states further that the ova and milt were obtained in the Tees,
according to the directions given by Boccius, Shaw, and “ Epheme-
ra,” in his ‘Book of the Salmon.’ They were taken from three female
and two male fishes on the night of the 27th of December, and not
deposited in the gravel of a small rivulet until the 29th of the same
month. Part of the ova were also placed in a gravel-bed in the river
Swale; but of the result of this part of the experiment Mr. Fisher has
no present information. In one part the ova were placed too deep in
the gravel, and on examination were found to be addled; while there

* From the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society,’ May 4, 1852.

Fishes. 3759

is every reason to believe that those which were placed about 3 inches
in the gravel have all been hatched. A live fish brought from the
_ spawning-bed leaped out of the vessel in which it was kept and spee-
dily died, and the two mentioned in the published letter also died in
the course of about ten days, probably in consequence of the disturb-
ance to which they were exposed from the curiosity of those who came
to see them, and who were desirous of observing the extreme velocity
with which they moved round the vessel, even while the vitelline bag
was still attached to the abdomen. The spawning-bed was formed in
a small run of spring water, which is never affected by the frost ; it
was cleared of minnows, young trout, &c., and at each end of a space
of about 20 yards, whins were placed of a good height, kept down
with stones, to prevent the entrance into it of other fish. After some
observations respecting minnows, Mr. Fisher adds: — “ We have
proved the fact that the river Swale may be again stocked with sal-
mon, provided we can make arrangements with the proprietor of a
mill-wear, twenty-five miles from this place, to let the fish, on coming
up from the sea, have ‘free gap’ from time to time.”

On these letters Mr. Hogg observes that it seems to him there can
be little (if any) doubt that, with the precautions indicated, a vast in-
crease of salmon might be obtained, and a sure and valuable source
of wealth be secured in many suitable streams in which no salmon are
at present found; and the same artificial process of breeding might
likewise be applied to trout with an equally advantageous result. He
suggests that the breeding might also be carried on in large wooden
boxes or cases, having a layer of gravel at the bottom 4 or 5 inches
deep, in which the ova and milt, or impregnated ova, might be buried,
and the cases filled with pure water, which might be kept constantly
fresh by allowing a small stream to run into them. When the fry had
grown sufficiently strong, they might be conveyed to any distance in
tubs filled water (which might be occasionally renewed), and having
their tops perforated with holes. On the subject of the distribution
of the species of fresh-water fishes, Mr. Hogg refers to the presence
of trout and other fishes in mountain streams and alpine lakes, for
which it seems difficult to account; but he suggests that as the pre-
sence of unusual plants in similar circumstances is only to be ac-
counted for by the seeds having been dropped by birds, the problem
with regard to fishes might be naturally solved in an analogous man-
ner, their fry having been conveyed to these distant localities by
means of water-birds.

3760 Fishes.

Note on Gasterosteous leiurus, or probably G. trachurus.—I was much pleased with
the observations of Mr. Warington in your Jast number (Zool. 3633), on the stickle-
back (Gasterosteus leiurus), as confirmatory of some remarks on that fish when kept in
confinement, made by me in Loudon’s ‘ Magazine of Natural History,’ (iii. 329). It
is some time since I had an opportunity of observing the habits of this very interest-
ing fish ; but I can add my testimony to almost all that Mr. Warington has written.
Their pugnacious propensities appear to last only during the season of spawning, and
the extreme brilliancy and beauty of the male fish ceases with this amatory period.
Mr. Yarrell says that at this period both sexes exhibit “ more than usual brilliancy ; ”
but I have never observed any difference in the appearance of the female, except when
full of spawn. Their ferocity, and tyranny over their vanquished fellow-prisoners,
must be witnessed to be credited. Mr. Warington might have related how skilfully
and often fatally they use their lateral spines in their combats. Previously to an en-
counter it is a most pleasing sight to witness the attitudes of the two combatants, —
spairing asit were, and watching for an unguarded part in the opponent, and then dart-
ing upov him with surprising velocity. They swim round and round each other, with
their spines projected, before the assault is made. I once had in confinement, with
some of the other species, the Gasterosteus pungitius, which becomes coal black dur-
ing the spawning season. This species is usually smaller, and their sides less bony
and hard than the other species. An encounter took place between this black fellow
and a fine and beautiful specimen of another species; and, after an unusually pro-
tracted fight, the black hero was overcome and sank to the bottom of the tub, literally
ripped open by one of the spines of his opponent, and shortly after died. This I my-
self witnessed. When one has been beaten and driven from the position he had ap-
propriated to himself in his place of confinement, —which he seldom yields without a
struggle, generally occasioned by one invading the territory of the other,—his gay co-
lours fade, and he unites himself with some other brethren who have either been si-
milarly conquered, or, for some other reason, have not assumed the gay colours and
fighting propensities of the others. This unfortunate squad is generally driven into
an unoccupied corner of their prison, where they are wantonly and continually perse-
cuted by their congeners. The mouths of these fish are armed with rows of exceed-
ingly minute and sharp-pointed teeth, and a wound inflicted by these on the tail is
often followed by death. The wounded part at first becomes white, then increases in
extent, until the whole fish is covered with a furry-looking fungus; and as the fish
sickens in death, the beautiful colours which had faded, as they always do after the
fish are vanquished, re-appear, but not with their original brightness, and without that
glowing and animated appearance which they exhibited when in health and vigour.
I have never had an opportunity of witnessing their nest-building operations, but have
frequently seen the male fish swimming about with a piece of ligneous fibre in his
mouth, as Mr. Warington mentions. The eggs are hatched in March or April, as I
have taken the young fry about June, entangled in the green silky weed found in all
ponds. The adult fish will greedily devour their own fry, which they seize and
swallow after the manner and with the voracity of the pike. They are said to survive
three years, but TI never could ascertain the correctness of this conjecture. It is so
long since I kept these fish in confinement, and never having examined them scienti-
fically, that I am unable to say with certainty to which species my remarks apply, but
most likely to more than one. I only know that my specimens were caught in two
ponds at the back of the Hackney road, called “ Bunker's Ponds,” and well known to

Mollusks. 3761

botanists as containing in profusion the fringed yellow water-lily (Villarsia nymphe-
oides) and the sweet-smelling flag {Acorus Calamus). — R. Wakefield ; Sussex Place,
Regent's Park, November 26, 1852.

Land and Fresh-water Mollusca of Oxford and its Neighbourhood,
By ALFRED MERLE Norman, Esq.

THE following list has been drawn up from specimens which I have
myself found in the neighbourhood of Oxford during the last eighteen
months. The range of many of the species which it contains is very
limited, and consequently this locality for them may be acceptable to
some of your readers. I believe that the list of water species is nearly
if not quite complete; but as regards the land shells, I cannot help
thinking that more are to be found somewhere or other, although I
have searched the immediate neighbourhood pretty closely for them.

The study of our inland Conchology has of late years met with
many votaries, and deservedly so, for it is in itself a most interesting
pursuit, and can be most conveniently followed in conjunction with
Entomology; in fact no.one ought to study the one without the other.
The entomologist, while collecting water-beetles, must necessarily at
the same time obtain many shells in his net; when examining rocks
and stones, he must meet with many Helices, Zonites, Bulimi,. &c. ;
and when he brings home his bags of moss, and searches for Staphy-
linidz and other minute Coleoptera, he will at the same time probably
find many Clausiliz, Pupez, Vertigines, &c.: and so on in numerous
other instances. ‘Thus by having both objects in view, the collector
will very often have the advantage of procuring rarities in one or other
of his pursuits to reward him for his trouble ; whereas had Entomo-
logy or Conchology alone been his object, he might have returned
home empty-handed and disappointed.

The nomenclature used is that of Turton’s excellent little ‘ Manual
_ of Land and Freshwater Shells.’

Neritina fluviatilis. _ Very abundant in the Cherwell, on Conferve,
stones, and dead shells of Anodon cygneus.

Paludina vivipara. Common in many of the ditches round Oxford,
particularly near West Hinksey.

Ps achatina. River Cherwell. I have not found it in any of
the ditches,

Bithinia tentaculata. Very common both in streams and ditches.

XI. G

3762 Mollusks.

Bithinia ventricosa. In a ditch at the foot of Bullingdon Com-
mon, rare.
Valvata piscinalis. By no means common; West Hinksey, Port
Meadow.
Arion ater. Common in the wet meadows, but I have only met
with the black variety.
Limax flavus. One specimen.
», agrestis. Abundant everywhere.
Helix aspersa. Very abundant.
» hortensis. Common.
»» nemoralis. Very abundant and exceedingly varied.
9» pomatia. Stonesfield.
» arbustorum. In many of the hedges, particularly at Somers-

5, pulchella. Banks of the river Isis.
, Cantiana. Abundant, but local; Heddington and Shotover

» granulata. Marshy ground at the foot of Bullingdon.
» hispida. Common.
» concinna. Not common; Magdalen walks.
» Yufescens. Very common in hedges.
» virgata. On the dry hills around Bullingdon, Heddington,
Shotover and Bagley.
» caperata. Not so common as the last; Bullingdon and
Heddington. ,
» ericetorum. Not common; Heddington and Bullingdon.
Zonites radiatulus. I have a shell which I found in Magdalen
walks, and which I cannot name, unless as a variety of this species.
It differs from the usual type in being altogether larger, the whorls
more rounded, and of slower increase, the colour deeper, and the shell
opaque ; the striz, umbilicus, &c., are the same as usual.
Zonites lucidus. Banks of the river Isis.
Succinea putris. Common ; Isis and Cherwell.
mt Pfeifferi. Rare; in a ditch running along the side of
Cowley Marsh. I cannot help regarding this as merely a variety of
the last.
Zua lubrica. Common; Magdalen walks, &c.
Pupa marginata. Rare ; Heddington.
Clausilia nigricans. Bagley and Shotover.
Limneus auricularis. Found in many of the ditches round Oxford,
very common in the Cherwell.

Mollusks. 3763

Limneus pereger. Very common.

re mY var. ovatus, Drap. A ditch near West Hinksey.

2 x var. acutus, Jeffreys. In the ditch running along
the side of Cowley Marsh.

mt stagnalis. Very abundant and large.

- ” var. fragilis, Mont. In ditches at West Hinksey.

ie palustris. Common in ditches, West Hinksey and Port
Meadow.
2, truncatulus. On the mud of the banks of the Isis.

Ancylus fluviatilis. Not common; in the Cherwell, on stones and
on shells of Anodon cygneus and Unio tumidus.

Velletia lacustris. I have found this species only in one ditch, —
that on the right hand side of the foot-path leading from Oxford to
West Hinksey, on submerged leaves of Nuphar lutea. It is curious
that I did not find a single specimen on the leaves of Nymphza alba,
which was growing in the same ditch; was this merely accidental ¢

Physa fontinalis. In many of the ditches in the neighbourhood ;
particularly fine in the same ditch with Velletia lacustris.

Aplexus hypnorum. Very local; ditch at the foot of Bullingdon.

Planorbis corneus. Very abundant; very fine in the Cherwell,
where it passes St. Clement’s.

- albus. Not common ditches at West Hinksey and the ©
river Cherwell. :

¥) carinatus. Rather common; Hinksey, Port Meadow and
Christchurch Meadow.

te marginatus. Very common.

a vortex. Very common.

‘9 spirorbis. Ditch at the side of Cowley Marsh.

3 nitidus. Two or three specimens in a ditch in Christ-

church Meadow.
Cyclas rivicola. Very common in the river Cherwell.
» cornea. Found in most of the ditches.
Pisidium pusillum. Ditch at the foot of Bullingdon.

9 Henslowianum. Very rare; two specimens in the river
Cherwell.

a amnicum., Cherwell, and ditch in Christchurch Meadow.

Anodon cygneus. Common; the Cherwell and many of the ditches.

99 a var. rostrata, Kokeil. One specimen in the river

opposite Port Meadow.
Unio tumidus. Abundant in the Cherwell.
Dreissena polymorpha. A few specimens in the Cherwell.

3764 Mollusks.

All the above species are found in the zmmediate neighbourhood,
except Helix pomatia, which is found at Stonesfield, about ten miles
distant.

ALFRED MERLE NorRMAN.

Clevedon, Somerset, December 11, 1852.

Discovery of Helix obvoluta in Hampshire.—Last winter, while superintending the
marking of trees for thinning, in the beech-hangers which cover Stoner Hill, I poked
about in the moss and dead leaves with a small prong, which I usually carry on such
occasions to assist me in my search after chrysalids, shells, &c., when I turned up a
dead shell of Helix obvoluta, Being a shell-collector, this of course instantly set me
looking for more, and I succeeded in finding four or five, all dead. The next few
days I devoted to the search, and discovered living specimens ; and with the aid of a
couple of the gamekeeper’s children, whom I chartered for the occasion, I obtained al-
together about a hundred dead and about eighty living specimens. On the first day
of my search there was a rather hard frost, and all the living specimens I found were
buried in the moss or decayed stems. There was afterwards a thaw, and some rain,
and then they were to be found, towards evening, coming out to enjoy themselves and
creeping over the moss. The locality mentioned in Turton’s Shells (Gray’s edition)
as the habitat of H. obvoluta is misprinted in my copy; it should be “ Ditcham Wood,
Buriton, Hants,” and not “ Brenton.” Ditcham Wood is about six miles from here,
but is on a ridge of the chalk downs nearer the sea than that on which Stoner Hill
‘stands. The two ridges are here quite distinct, aud the intervening country is low and
flat; therefore I do not think it possible that H. obvoluta could have spread or wan-
dered to the Ashford woods from Ditcham. I make this remark with reference to the
supposition expressed in Turton that it has probably been introduced and naturalized
from abroad. Some time ago I obtained a few specimens of H. obvoluta from Ditcham
Wood, and I have been lately informed that some have been taken in the large beech-
woods of Uppark, which joins Ditcham, but I have not yet seen any of them. I ob-
tained all my Ashford specimens within a few hundred yards of the spot where I dis-
covered the first shell, and have not yet searched the other woods near, but have no
doubt that it is to be found in similar localities, and this I shall endeavour to ascer-
tain, for I firmly belicve it to be a true native of England, though local in its distribu-
tion. The number (though only obtained by a most persevering search, as they were
in winter quarters), and the fine growth of the specimens I collected, also incline me
to this opinion. I have not observed its habits insummer, but mean to doso if I can,
and shall be curious to ascertain if it prefers a northern aspect; the hill on which I
got mine faced about E.N.E. I have not yet seen that volume of Forbes and Han-
ley’s ‘ Mollusca’ which contains the description of H. obvoluta, and therefore know not
whether the following circumstance is inentioned there, but as it is not alluded to in
Turton, will run the risk of communicating a fact which may be already well known,
and state that all the living specimens I found had the shell thickly covered with very
fine hairs, similar to those on Helix hispida, and which are so extremely brittle as to
render it a matter of great difficulty to get the animal out without rubbing them off.

Crustacea. ~ 3765

A few of those I collected were young specimens, about half grown, and these had no
sign of the triangular mouth, or the reflexed lip, which characterize the species when
full grown. — William Henry Hawker ; Ashford Lodge, Petersfield, Hants, December
24, 1852.

Description of a Young Lobster measuring only nine lines.—Generic character : —
External antenne not so long as the body: arm longer than the hand; inner margin
toothed: anterior legs long, slender, equal ; fingers long, slender, toothed; second and
third pairs of legs didactyle, fourth and fifth monodactyle: rostrum wide, deeply groov-
ed, armed on each side with four teeth, the sides parallel for two thirds of its length, and
then tapering off to an acute angle, the apex trifid: carapace more nearly cylindrical,
the segments terminating laterally in an acute triangular process produced to a spine.
Specific character :—Body thick and rounded: cephalothorax deeper than broad, com-
pressed at the sides ; a furrow separates the gastric from the posterior regions ; the la-
tero-posterior portion is slightly punctuated: rostrum projecting beyond the peduncle
of the external antenne, wide and deeply grooved throughout, of even width through
half its length and then running to an acute trifid apex ; the carina on each side form-
ed by the groove is toothed with three spines ; that portion of each carina which ex-
tends on to the cephalothorax bears about a dozen teeth: rostrum straight, recurved
at the extremity: eyes large, forward, completely protected by the rostrum: asmall
tooth on each side of and even with the base of the rostrum: external antenne about
two thirds as long as the body: abdomen semicylindrical, segments smooth, terminat-
ing on each side ina flattened triangular plate, which ends with an acute spine; the
margins of the plate are toothed with very fine and numerous teeth; the three poste-
rior segments are more spread than the others, thus giving a semi-oval appearance to
that portion of the carapace: tail broad; the exterior lamine strongly divided at their
anterior third ; the margin of their posterior portion dentated ; two round carine start
from a point at the base of the centre lamina, and, diverging, end at its extremity in
a tooth at each corner, thus forming a triangular space between them: anterior legs
large, equal, quite smooth, with the exception of the inner margin of the arm, which
is toothed: arm as long as the hand ; wrist one-third as long as the arm ; hand about
four times longer than broad ; fingers almost as long as the hand, straight, and hav-
ing numerous small teeth: the remaining legs filiform and weak; the second and
third pairs didactyle, the fourth and fifth pairs monodactyle. Ixtreme length 9 lines:
arm and wrist united 6} lines; hand 3 lines. The colour is straw (drying much dark-
er), dotted in some parts with pink and in others with orange. I caught this indivi-
dual on the 18th of August, 1852, in from 5 to 7 fathoms water, off Redcliffe Head, in
Weymouth Bay, ona bed of Cystoseira fibrosa. The most apparent difference be-
tween it and the adult Homarus vulgaris consists in the much shorter antenne, the
more slender and more equal anterior legs, the wider rostrum, and the more acutely
triangular plates of the segments.— Welliam Thompson ; Weymouth, January 1, 1853.

3766 Arachnida.— Insects.

Abstinence of a Spider.—In the ‘ St. James’s Chronicle’ of October 26, I see an
account, copied from the ‘ Banffshire Journal, of a spider having lived fur a year
without food ; and it is curious enough that I have recorded a very similar cireum-
stance which happened under my own personal observation, the only difference being
that my spider is now dead. ‘“ Some time during the winter of 1850-51, I had a case
(containing a stuffed water-rail) sent home from the bird-stuffer's, glazed, papered, and
all complete: the case is about 10 inches by 8, and 5 inches deep. Shortly after it
arrived, I observed a very small spider traversing backwards and forwards on its web,
which it had spun from side to side of the case underneath the bird. All I did was
mentally to abuse the bird-stuffer for his carelessness in omitting to put camphor in
the case before glazing it; and also I resolved to take out the glass and eject the spi-
der. However, in a multiplicity of occupations, I soon forgot all about the matter,
until the autumn of 1851, when my attention was drawn to it by seeing the bird com-
pletely surrounded underneath by a strong web, and stationed in the midst of it, a spi-
der of at least ten times the bulk of the small one I had seen there the previous winter,
and looking fat and well, though with no signs of any other living creature in the case,
nor any appearance of anything having been entangled in the web. From this time,
feeling curious as to how the spider could live, thrive, and grow under such circum-
stances, I watched it from time to time, but never from that day until it died, about
four months ago (some time at the end of last June), could I discover any trace of its
having obtained anything to eat. It continued to increase in size up to about six
months before its death; after which time, although looking perfectly plump and
healthy, it became stationary in one particular part of the web, in which position it
died and still remains hung up, though now considerably shrivelled. I am not aware
of the species, but in colour it was nearly black.” The case, as far as I can see, is
perfectly air-tight, there not being the slightest aperture visible. From the time when
I first saw the spider until it died, was a space of eighteen months. The above note
may possibly be of interest to some of your readers, and worth recording as a tittle of
evidence towards a more complete knowledge of the habits, ability of endurance with-
out food, or organization, whereby some creatures can exist and even thrive without
material sustenance: should this be the case, I shall consider myself most fortunate
in having been able to add that tittle to the great mass of curious and useful informa-
tion contained in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist.—Octavius Pickard-Cambridge ; Blox-
worth House, near Blandford, Dorset, November 8, 1852.

On “ Robber Bees,” as described by O. Pickard-Cambridge, Esq.
By H. W. Newman, Esq.

I HAVE attentively read the account by Mr. Cambridge, of the rob-
bers which attacked his hives on the 15th of September last (Zool.
3746), and as I have had a good deal of experience in the same way,
T am of opinion that no one could have acted with more promptitude
aud decision on that occasion. As Mr. C. wishes to have opinions

Insects. 3767
on the subject, I will give him mine. The hive in question had pro-
bably lost its queen at a time when she could not be easily replaced,
in this case the bees would become dispirited and desert the hive, and
probably some strong stock finding this out, sent their scouts — cor-
sair bees, as that patriarch of apiarians, Dr. Bevan, calls them — to
attack the hive in its weak state. I have had many instances of rob-
bery, but not exactly similar to that recorded by Mr. Cambridge, for
in the cases where so large a collection of honey exists, the resistance
of the bees is very fierce, and they do not in general give up without
a slaughter of several thousands on each side.

The extent of these robberies generally agrees with the number of
stocks kept in a small compass ; when a country is overstocked, con-
tinual robberies will always take place; and Mr. Butler, in his book
entitled the ‘Feminine Monarchy, described them most minutely a
hundred years ago. The fact is, that more bees are kept now-a-days
than in the time mentioned by the bee-keepers alluded to by Mr.
Cambridge.

I knew an instance ofxa worthy Kentish baronet, who kept bees
and multiplied his stocks, in ten or twelve years, to nearly a hundred,
in a bad bee-country too; in the end he got no honey, as the bees
literally “ ate each other up,” as he termed it.

The bees which plundered Mr. Cambridge’s hive were evidently
not the natives of the hive, but most likely hereditary thieves from
some stray stock not very far off.

Desertions most frequently take place in the spring ; it is generally
a sort of effort made in despair, and unless the bees overpower some
very weak stock they always perish: mouldy or musty combs, occa-
sioned by the wet soaking into them, will also cause the bees to
desert. I hada fine stock desert a hive on the 4th of April, some
years ago; they had been deprived of full seven-eighths of their
combs in the autumn.

About ten years ago a Bristol newspaper announced a swarm of
bees on the 30th of March! I immediately wrote to the owner to in-
quire particulars of this extraordinary event; he wrote me a polite
note, informing me that the announcement of a swarm was a mistake,
— that it was a desertion ; and added that the hive in question was
examined by a friend and neighbour of his, more conversant in these
matters than himself, who found that the combs were completely rid-
dled by a small moth, which had caused the bees to desert.

I have frequently seen the same furious attack made upon a hive
containing comb only (in July and August), and no bees or honey, as

3768 Insects.

that described by Mr. Cambridge; there must -be something which
these robber bees carry to their own hives from these old combs. I
had at one time twenty-six stocks of bees, but never yet discovered
the moth mentioned, nor the death’s-head moth described by Huber ;
the latter is certainly not to be met with in England.*

I keep my bees as far apart as my garden will permit; and when I
observe the bees of one stock in my garden attacking another, I im-
mediately remove the stock that is attacked, or kill the robber bees ;
for I am convinced they are like dogs that take to killing sheep, —
when they once begin they never give it up. :

It is a great mistake to say that the robber bees are of moder date ;
the fact is, the increase of numbers in bees has in some measure kept
pace with the population, and where a country is much overstocked,
a series of wet seasons causes a proportionate increase of corsair bees.
The detestable plan also of placing sometimes from twelve to twenty
hives in a row, touching one another, is another great cause of confu-
sion and plunder.

Ever since I first kept bees I have considered the plundering as
the “besetting sin” of these curious insects, and it is quite plain from
the ancient writers that it has existed from time immemorial.

I know of no remedy but the adoption of the “separate system” as
much as possible; the flight of robbers in the same garden may then
be watched by a quick eye. In the year 1848 I removed one poor
persecuted stock 400 yards from my garden, but this did not prevent
a partial robbery.

I confess that unless, as I have surmised, the queen died, Mr. Cam-
bridge’s case is a poser to apiarians, on two accounts :—1. The large
quantity of honey; and 2. The small number of dead bees near his
hive. If the moth had attacked the hive, its ravages would have been
seen to commence at the outside of the combs. I now exceedingly
regret that I did not visit the gentleman at the Golden Valley, in the
parish of St. George, near Bristol, when he wrote to me about the de-
sertion I have mentioned. I have no doubt that Mr. Cambridge will
have several replies to his communication.

H. W. Newman.

New House, near Stroud,
January 10, 1853.

* My correspondent is, I think, in error here: the death’s-head moth spoken of by
Huber appears to be our Acherontia Atropos, and this certainly occurs in England,
although its attacks on our bee-hives are not frequent.—E. N.

Insects. 3769

Note on “ Robber Bees.” — Mr. Cambridge’s communication “On
the Phenomenon denominated ‘ Robber Bees’” (Zool. 3746), may
probably receive some confirmation from Dr. Bevan’s account of the
wax-moth (Zinea mellonella), whose depredations appear similar to
those of the honey-moth, (Achroia alvearia) ; and I would beg to re-
fer him to Dr. Bevan’s admirable work on the ‘ Honey Bee,’ chapter
21, on “Enemies of Bees."—R. Wakefield ; Sussex Place, Regent’s
Park, January 11, 1853.

Notice of the Habits of Myrmica domestica, Shuck., together with
some Account of a means of turning the Industry of this mi-
nute Ant to account in the preparation of Skeletons of small
Animals. By GrorcEe DANIELL, Esq.*

Mr. DaniELL states that his attention was first attracted to this spe-
cies of ant some years ago, by observing several individuals engaged,
in the window of a house in Edwards Street, Portman Square, in
dragging to the edge of the casement a large fly, which they finally
succeeded in conveying through an opening in the wall. He found
by repeated observations that, like the other species of ants, they uni-
formly followed the same track, passing and repassing, but never de-
viating from the beaten route. There appeared to be a regular chain
of correspondence kept up throughout the track; and one of the ants,
while travelling at its usual rapid rate, was frequently observed to be
stopped by another, a communication passing between them by means
of their antenne, after which each would return in the opposite direc-
tion from that in which they were previously travelling. The track
was found to terminate on the ground floor, where it disappeared in
the party wall, the adjoining house being occupied by a baker, who
stated that in the summer months these ants were a perfect nuisance
to him, spreading themselves over all his goods, and especially the
sweet cakes and sugar, of which they carried off incredible quantities.
He indicated on his premises numerous tracks, traversed by myriads
of these minute insects, each engaged in carrying off a grain of sugar
or some other description of food to their dwelling-place, which ap-
peared to be in the wall of the cellar, by the side of the oven, whence

* From the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society,’ March 16, 1852.
XI, H

3770 Insects.

he found it impossible to dislodge them. To diminish their numbers

he was in the habit of hanging against the wall a boiled sheep’s liver,
which they speedily covered, and then plunging it into boiling water;
but even this wholesale destruction had very little apparent effect in
thinning their ranks. In the same vault there were also multitudes
of crickets (Gryllus domesticus) and black beetles (Blatta orientalis,
L.), in every stage of growth and variety of colour, from the deep
black to the pale albino; all of which appeared to entertain the great-
est dread of these apparently insignificant creatures, retreating preci-
pitately when they found themselves in the vicinity of a track, while
several of the ants would immediately rush out of the line to chastise
their intrusion.

It now occurred to Mr. Daniell that he might make the laborious
habits and fondness for animal food evinced by these ants serviceable
to himself in the preparation of skeletons. With this view he placed
some mice and small birds in boxes against the wall, but although
the ants immediately attacked them, so great was the heat of the oven
that the subjects were dried hard, and generally abandoned after the
brains had been eaten out. Several other attempts in different parts
of the cellar also failed, the skeletons being frequently destroyed by
the crickets and beetles after the ants had abandoned them, until
which time no other insect could approach without undergoing the
punishment of death. Mr. Daniell then determined to endeavour to
establish a colony in a cellar adjoining the oven and parallel with it,
in consequence of which proximity the wall gave out a certain degree
of warmth when the oven was heated. He first placed the most in-
viting food in the warmest corner, to which he had fitted a box with
holes in it on the side next the wall, large enough to admit the ants,
but not the larger insects ; and this failing to attract them, he caught
a great number from a piece of liver placed as a trap, and shook them
into a box from which they had no means of escape, in which he
closed them with abundance of food, but after seeking in vain for an
outlet they congregated in one corner of the box and eventually died.
His next expedient was to catch them in great numbers and turn them

~ loose in the cellar; and repeating this process for several evenings, he
had at length the satisfaction to see a track established extending from
a small hole in the wall to the box in which their food was deposited.
After some time another track was formed to another corner of the box
at right angles with the first; and these tracks were never abandoned
while be continued to avail himself of their services, which he did not
cease to employ until he had completed by their means upwards of

Insects. 3771

a hundred beautiful skeletons of small quadrupeds and birds, reptiles
and fishes, the greater part of which are now in the collection of the
British Museum. In the course of these experiments he made the
following further observations on their habits.

They will not touch anything tainted, and prefer animals in the
blood to such as have been previously cleaned. The plan which Mr.
Daniell found to answer best was to take the object quite fresh, to
skin it, extract the viscera, and cut off as much as possible of the
flesh, and then to place it in the box. . It is seldom that a skeleton is
so entirely cleaned as to require no further preparation; but the
smaller skeletons when taken quite fresh require only a very little sub-
sequent maceration to complete the process, the more delicate and
difficult portions, such as the cranium and vertebre, being almost al-
ways cleaned in preference to the ribs and limbs; and even those
portions of muscle which are not removed by the ants are generally
so much detached by them, that a slight brushing or two after well
soaking the object suffices to remove them. One of the great advan-
tages of this mode of preparing small skeletons was found to consist
in their perfectly preserving their natural size, the ants seldom de-
stroying the ligaments, and the bones consequently not requiring
wires for their attachment, which in some of the more minute skele-
tons it would be difficult if not impossible to apply. The labourers
require, however, careful watching, as after having eaten the muscles,
they occasionally destroy the ligaments, and even commence carrying
off the smaller bones; a smart tap on the box is sufficient to drive
them away from the object, on which they all immediately move off
in a regular line to whichsoever opening they have entered at, leaving
the skeleton free. When the objects are too large, they quit them
suddenly after devouring what they think proper, so that sometimes
where overnight thousands might have been seen at work, in the
morning not one is to be found in the box ; and nothing is gained by
re-moistening the object, for they appear never again to touch any-
thing which they have once abandoned. In the summer their vitality
is great ; from the cavities of a skeleton that had been three days im-
mersed in water and afterwards placed in the sun, several ants were
seen to emerge, and to become as lively as ever. But in winter, ex-
posure to cold air, or immersion in water, when the thermometer is
below the freezing-point, produces instant death, subsequent expo-
sure to warmth failing, in these circumstances, to revive them. Their
sense of smell appears to be very acute; if the finger be drawn across
one of their tracks, multitudes rapidly congregate about the spot,

3772 Insects.

examining it, and sending out runners to explore the vicinity. But
if one of them be crushed by the finger and quickly removed, the
next comer is instantly arrested in his progress, encircles the spot,
ascertains the death, and communicates the intelligence with such
inconceivable rapidity, that the whole line falls into confusion; num-
bers rush to the place, parties set off in pursuit of the offender, and
woe to the unfortunate cricket that happens to be found in the vici-
nity of the track. By degrees the tumult subsides; for some time
afterwards, however, every ant that passes makes a halt, but without
quitting the line. Light does not appear to have any effect on their
operations ; they are not disturbed by the approach of a candle, al-
though the slightest touch of the box instantaneously effects their
complete dispersion ; and the alternations of night and day appear to
make no difference in their numbers, perceptions, or labour.

Mr. Daniell was never able positively to ascertain the place of
their retreat ; he believes it, however, to have been in the earth below
the oven, and is inclined to think that they form a nest, inasmuch
as they frequently carry off portions of vegetable fibre, and even the
smaller bones, probably for the purpose of building, as they were
always carried off entire, and he could never observe that any por-
tion of a bone was eaten. In consequence of this latter propensity,
he was never able to procure the skeletons of the small species of
Gasterosteus, for example, entire, notwithstanding the closest watch-
ing. A single ant will carry away a rib of these small fishes ;
but in removing a larger bone they act simultaneously, some drag-
ging it forwards and others pushing it on with their heads from
behind. If, in ascending the side of the box, the bone fell to
the bottom, they returned and recommenced their labour, never
abandoning an attempt in which they had once engaged. ‘The
largest portion of bone which Mr. Daniell has seen them remove,
consisted of the ulna and radius of Mus messorius, with the carpus
attached. They appeared more eager in carrying off portions of
bone in the months of January and February than at any other
period of the year; but they worked most rapidly in the summer
months, and it is astonishing with what celerity and perseverance
they continued their labours, the most rapidly cleaned skeletons being
always the best and whitest, the periosteum being entirely removed.
With such pertinacity do they penetrate every cavity, that, minute as
they are, they are frequently victims to the ardour of their attack, be-
coming fixed, for example, between the plates of the cranium, in the
cellular texture of which they may be seen entangled and dead. Al-

Insects. 3773

though, as before observed, very susceptible of cold, they appear also
to be affected by heat; for in the summer months they were seen to
bring forth their pupz, when the oven was heated, from the various
apertures in the wall, and place them in a box by the side, in which
a supply of provision was always provided for them, and to return
with them when the oven was cooled. Myriads of them might in this
way be seen heaped together, but a tap on the side of the box caused
a general rush towards the objects of their solicitude, which were car-
ried off with inconceivable rapidity. The pupe are white, and the
whole duty of transporting them devolves upon the males or workers,
of whom each female always has several attendant upon her. Young
females are first observed towards the end of January, when the ab-
domen begins to be enlarged and of a whitish colour; they continue
to increase in size until June, at which time the females appear to be
most numerous. They progress more slowly than the workers, and
deposit their eggs as they move along, which are instantly carried off
by the attendants. The greatest number of pupz are seen between
June and September; but the eggs (which are white and have the
appearance of grains of sand) are carried to and fro during the whole
of the summer. Mr. Daniell noticed that skeletons cleaned by the
ants were rapidly dissolved in a solution of chloride of lime; while
others prepared by maceration remained for some time in a similar
solution without injury, and were much improved in whiteness.

What has been done for Entomology in Scotland ? — A Plan suggested to promote
at, and another to assist the Student—When we look at the labours of our entomologi-
cal brethren in England, and compare the number of votaries of Entomology in that.
country with those of Scotland, we cannot but feel sorry to see such a great balance
against us. But few, and only very few, have lent themselves to the task of investi-
gating the wondrous race of insects; yet these few have been very diligent. ‘The gay
colours of the butterflies as they have flitted past ; the metallic hues of the beetles as
they have crawled across the pathways, or basked themselves in the shade of some
overhanging stone; the humble-bees, which ever as they sip the sweets from the flow-
ers, keep up an incessant tune, as if in thanksgiving to the Great Maker of all, who
has so abundantly provided for them; the laborious ants, which have raised a dome
so curiously chambered beneath; the spiders, with their strongly woven webs hung in
a thousand alluring ways to entrap poor flies ; the cunning ichneumon, the fop of in-
sects, with his keen eye and jaunty manner, as he rambles with wonderful celerity all
over the branch on which he has alighted, now giving another and another deadly
thrust through the back of some unfortunate caterpillar which he has chanced upon ;
—all and any of these may, for the moment, have attracted the attention of the passer
by, but this was all: no thought was spent on, inquiry made, or wonder raised, as to

3774 Tnseets.

whence they came, why they were created, or whither they went. In many districts
of Scotland the foot-print of the naturalist, in this branch of study, has been seldom
noticed, — seldom has it been impressed by the foot of one of her own sons. In some
districts there are those who have never dreamt of the

“ Infinite shapes of creatures there are bred,
And uncouth forms, which none yet ever knew,
And every sort is in a sondry bed
Sett by itselfe, and ranckt in comely rew ;” *

and how

“ Daily they grow, and daily forth are sent
Into the world, it to replenish more.” +

It is not because such persons consider the study of insects beneath them that it is not
pursued, but because their minds have not been turned into the properchannel. Were
this once accomplished, how many an hour now spent idly in the streets or elsewhere,
might be improved, and the mind carried from the creature to the Creator! Perhaps
the best and easiest way to give the young some knowledge of the wonders with which
they are surrounded, would be to make Entomology a branch of education in every
school. No difficulty would attend this; and certain it is that there are many who
would willingly contribute very largely to the formation of a collection to be attached
to each school for the use of the scholars. Or if even a collection were placed in some
public institution in each town which boasts one, many might be induced to profit
thereby. Books on the subject are necessarily very expensive, from the labour required
in getting them up, and from the small number of readers ; but might not such a lau-
dable object as we are advocating lead to a reduction in their price ? — for where one
opy was formerly sold, the number would perhaps be trebled. Scotland is full of
grand haunts for these creatures. Her lofty towering hills, some rugged and stony,
others mantled with the purple heather interspersed with woods; her large giens,
adown which run many a stream ; her moors and her mosses, — all have their own pe-
culiar tenants. Her remains of large forests, of which those that have been partially
explored present proofs of their richness, and lead us to infer that the like might rea-
sonably be expected of the others ; her lakes, too, enjoy their novelties. Indeed, every
variety of ground is to be met with, from hills like Alps to the sweetest pastoral. The
very scenery itself is enchanting, and sufficient to entice the thoughts from their ordi-
nary course. I remember that when ascending Ben Lomond for the first time, I
paused half way up the elevation, in order to breathe awhile and look around me. The
sun had been obscured for some time, but suddenly burst forth in all his splendour ;
and never can I forget the grandeur of the surrounding scenery. Not a bird skimmed
along, not a leaf moved, not a breath of air interrupted the quiet, but all was breath-
less silence. At my feet lay the huge lake, like molten lead, so calm that you might
have fancied it afraid to move, lest it should disturb the sleep which had fallen on all
around. Its numerous islands, too, clad in the rich luxuriance of summer, and set

* Spenser’s ‘ Faerie Queen, Book 3, Can, 6. + Idem.

Insects. 3775

down here and there, gave it a double charm. After I had gazed awhile I turned my
face eastward. ‘The sunlight fell full on the broad valley, and there was the river
_ Teith, stretching away in tortuous windings towards Stirling, here and there encir-
cling small islets, like liquid silver inclosing emeralds. For the time I forgot where I
stood. TI felt the blood run coldly through my veins, and “ each particular hair to
stand on end.” Involuntarily I exclaimed, —“* Wonderful! How wonderful are thy
works, O God!” Often have I gazed from greater heights, and looked down on ma-
ny scenes both before and since; but none of them have ever struck me so forcibly as
did this one. Another thing alsv seems to be much wanted, which would greatly fa-
cilitate the progress of the beginner; and that is, a description of the meanings of the
generic names applied to each family. All are not linguists, and any one might natu-
rally wonder, and ask why to such a thing has been given such a strange-sounding
name. And to hear a man calling them by their scientific names, mouthing words
without knowing the reason why, also appears ridiculous. If all the names were ex-
plained, a key would be given whereby the learner could detect allied species, and be
wonderfully assisted in describing anything he might possess; the door which before
held fast the mystery would be unlocked, and there would the student stand, as if re-
lieved from the weight of some burden beneath which he had been sinking. Perhaps
the “ Poser for Papa,” which appeared in ‘Punch’ a few weeks ago, may be cited as
as strong an argument in favour of such a thing as could well be hit upon. Itisa
cumbering of the mind without enlightening it. As a further proof of this, and in
conclusion, I may add an anecdote which occurred to myself this last summer. At
the little house where I lodged, about a mile from Loch Rannoch, the guidwife, well
known for her kindness to one or two who have staid there, was very desirous to tell
me about some one insect in particular which had been taken there the year before,
and which I was to look for. She puzzled herself for a long time, and at last came
into my room in a great hurry to say that “ the beast was ca’d Colia pulter,’ (meaning
Polia occulta). I looked astonished, not expecting to hear such an attempt, and she
saw it; so, with a good-natured smile on her honest face, she added, — “ Bless me!
Surely they could find English for the beast, wiout a’ that nonsense! But maybe it
was the fashion to puzzle folk.”—John Scott ; London Works, Renfrew, October, 1852.

Inquiry respecting certain appendages to the Haustellum of Diurnal Lepidoptera.—
Perhaps some contributor to the ‘ Zoologist’ can explain the cause and use of certain
little yellow excrescences which I have more than once observed on the haustella of
our diurnal Lepidoptera, but which, so far as I can learn, have not hitherto been de-'
scribed in the principal works on insect physiology. At first sight they might be taken
_ for some extraneous substances adhering accidentally, but on endeavouring to remove
them, I have found them so firmly fixed as to make me suppose that they really formed
part of the haustellum. Last summer I captured at Charlton a female specimen of
Hipparchia Janira, with no less than six of these excrescences attached; their colour
at the base was yellow and somewhat transparent, and at the larger extremity whitish,
there were also a few hairs growing from the same part of the haustellum: but one or
two other specimens of this species taken at the same time were free from anything of
the kind. As the subjects are somewhat akin, I inclose a sketch of the Lepidopterous
larva with fungus-like excrescences exhibited at the July meeting of the Entomologi-
cal Society, (Zool. 3564); and to the facts there mentioned I may add that during
the time it remained concealed in the moss, the latter was occasionally moistened for
the benefit of the chrysalides lying in the clay underneath ; a circumstance that no

3776 Inscets.

doubt aided the development of these curious formations.—Arthur R. Hogan; Charl-
ton, Dundrum, near Dublin, December, 1852.

Captures of Lepidoptera in the neighbourhood of Birkenhead during the past
year.— ’

Cherocampa Porcellus, three reared from larvae, three captured at New Brighton.

Pecilocampa Populi, November 15—23, twenty-three at light.

Lasiocampa Trifolii, July, reared from larve taken in May at New Brighton.

Leucania crassicornis, September, not scarce on reed-blossoms after dark.

Luperina cespitis, August 26, at light.

35 abjecta, July 21, two, at sugar.
se albicolon, end of May, in plenty, by raking the banks at New Brighton.
Spelotis precox. I have taken this beautiful insect during the past season, at
“sugar, on ragwort-flowers, and by raking; but it is far from being plentiful.

Heliophobus popularis, September 18—29, at light.

Xanthia citrago, silago and cerago, September 6 to the end of the month, on rag-
wort-flowers, reeds, and at sugar.

Epunda lichenea, September 13—26, not scarce, sitting upon dead sticks in the
hedges.

- _Hadena lutulenta, September 19, at sugar.

Hypenodes costestrigalis, middle of July, in great plenty, flying at dusk amongst
heath and furze, in a fir-wood near Birkenhead.

* Ennomos Tiliaria. I took upwards of thirty of this insect at lights, during the
month of September.

Crambus latistrius, end of August, twenty-eight, flying at dusk, and at rest upon
stems of grass.

—G. A. Almond ; Oliver Street, Birkenhead, Cheshire, January 4, 1853.

Notes respecting Acherontia Atropos.— The two communications under this title
(Zool. 3716), seem to require a few remarks. Mr. Norman says, — “It does not ap-
pear to me to be difficult to account for the periodical plenty and scarcity of this in-
sect. In warm seasons, similar to the one just past, the larve arrive at maturity and
undergo their change into the pupa state in August, the moth appearing in the follow-
ing month: their eggs would consequently perish from the low temperature of the
ensuing winter.” This latter assertion is not supported by facts, for we know that
Spallanzani has recorded that he exposed the eggs of silk-worms to celd 23° below
zero, and yet they all produced caterpillars. We know, too, that in the Arctic re-
gions, during the brief summer, Culices abound to such an extent as to be an intole-
rable pest, and yet the intense cold of winter, which would not permit one of them to
live, does no harm to their eggs. Yet Mr. Norman thinks that the cold of winter
which would destroy the eggs of A. Atropos, would not prove fatal to the pupe. I
also think that they would not be injured thereby. Sir John Ross in one of his north-
ern voyages exposed larve of Laria Rossii to a temperature of 40° below zero, thawed
and froze them again several times, and still some went into pup, and arrived at the
perfect state, (Zool. 3366). There seems no reason to doubt that had the experiment
ceased after once thawing them, they would all have survived ; and from this and other
circumstances I am induced to believe that a frequent change of temperature, and,
above all, long exposure to wet, is more hurtful to insect life than cold alone. The
other remark I have to make is with respect to the luminosity of A. Atropos observed
by Mr. J. H. Gurney. The same beautiful opalescent light may be seen in the eyes

Insects. 3777

of all nocturnal Lepidoptera when in the dark, and a flowering ivy-bush full of Noc-
tue seeking their food in an autumn night, seems to glow with countless little stars,
and isa beautiful sight. Mr. Gurney will find a saturated solution of oxalic acid
much more effectual in killing Sphinges and moths than Prussic acid.—J. W. Doug-
las; Lee, Kent, December 16, 1852.

Occurrence of Cherocampa Celerio in Staffordshire. — I obtained a specimen of
this rare moth on the 25th of September last; it was taken in a house on the out-
skirts of the town. It probably was slightly worn before its capture, but its appear-
ance was certainly not improved by its treatment afterwards. Without doubt the high
temperature of the late summer will cause the development of many rare species with
us should the winter prove propitious.—R. W. Hawkins ; Rugeley, Staffordshire, No-
vember 17, 1852. ;

Occurrence of Chrymodes Templi near Huddersfield. — Perhaps some of our ento-
mological friends may be pleased to learn that I have taken two specimens of Chry-
modes Templi. I trust that it will again turn up next year in such numbers as that
it may be useful to others as well as myself. —J. Johnson ; Denby Parsonage, near
Huddersfield, November 15, 1852. .

Capture of Agrotis subgothica in Nottinghamshire.—I have recently obtained a fine
specimen of Agrotis subgothica, taken in October last in Nottinghamshire. — Edwin
Brown ; Burton-on-Trent, December 20, 1852.

Occurrence of Agrctis lunigera in Scotland.* —The insect to which I propose for
a few minutes to direct the attention of the Society, is interesting both on account of
its rarity, and from its having only hitherto occurred in the British Islands, where
it seems to be widely distributed, though the localities in which it has actually been
observed are “‘ few and far between,” being limited to one in Ireland, one in England,
and one in Scotland. It is now more than twenty years since Stephens first described
it in his ‘ Illustrations’ from specimens found near Cork, in Ireland; and since that
period it had not been seen for a series of years. In the summer of 1848 it was again
taken taken near Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight, by Mr. Maitland; but previously to
this, on the 8th of August, 1844, while examining a spruce fir at Duddingston, which
had proved very attractive to the Noctue throughout the season, in consequence of
being covered with Aphides and honey-dew, I took a very singular Agrotis which I
could make nothing of, but fancied might be lunigera. In the following year I sent
it to London to receive the fiat of the English entomologists, who said it was a re-
markable variety of A. exclamationis. Not satisfied with this, however, I sent it to
Mr. Doubleday, who forwarded it to M. Guenée. That entomologist has recently re-
turned the insect, having described it in his work on Noctue, forming part of the
“Suites a Buffon,’ as Agrotis lunigera var. A; so that we have now a third, anda
Scotch locality, for this interesting species, which is still further confirmed by a wing
that I picked up on Arthur's Seat, which is undoubtedly that of the same insect.
There is a rather singular circumstance, worthy of notice, connected with the insect,
which is that both in the Isle of Wight and on Arthw’s Seat, it is accompanied by
another species of Agrotis not found in the intervening districts, — the A. Obelisca of
the ‘ Wiener Verzeichniss :’ showing the intimate connexion there is between a loca-
lity and the species which inhabit it, occasionally, as in the present instance, irrespec-

* Head before the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, April, 1852.
XI, I

3778 Insects.

tive of difference of latitude; and that where we find a particular species, we may
generally look for those with which it is associated in other districts where it occurs.
—R. F. Logan ; Duddingston, near Edinburgh.

New Locality for Eudorea lineola, and Note on the Larve. — On the o7th of last
June I took several larve of the above rare Eudorea feeding under the yellow canker-
moss on old blackthorns, growing on the sea-shore, on the south side of the Hill of
Howth, a description of which may not be uninteresting to the readers of the ‘ Zoolo-
gist, as the insect has hitherto been taken only near Doncaster, and that in the imago
state. Length nearly 1 inch: ground-coloura pale dingy green, with three rows of
olive-brown or brownish black square-shaped spots, those along the back being the
largest; the intensity of the colours varies greatly, some being much darker than
others. The larve were full fed when I took them, as they were all in pupe by the
beginning of July, and the first insects came out on the 16th of the same month.—
Richard Shield ; 6, Fleet St., Dublin, December 8. 1852.

Food and Transformation of the Larva of Elachista locupletella.— JT am very glad
to be able to give my brother entomologists an opportunity of rearing for themselves
one of the most beautiful of our Micro-Lepidoptera. The larva of Elachista locuple-
tella feeds on Epilobium alsinifolium, and perhaps, as has been suggested to me, may
also feed on any plants of that order. This plant I find pretty abundant here at the
bottoms of walls in marshy situations, and I have not unfrequently found as many as
three or four larve feeding upon one plant, but never more. They are easily detected
from being miners; the leaf becomes discoloured, and thus the habitation of the larva
is at oncé made known. I have also had two mining the same leaf, but this I set
down as a matter of necessity, from my breeding-cages being small, and the plants few
in number ineach. The larve are to be found in May, in a tolerably advanced state.
They are of a dirty greenish brown colour, and when full grown are about three eighths
of an inch in length. In my breeding-cages I had the insect in all its stages of larva,
pupa, and imago at the same time. When about to undergo its transformation, which
is about the first week in June, the larva quits the interior of the leaf, and either crawls
away to the bud of some plant near at hand, which it draws together with beautiful
white silken threads, or it rolls the edge of one of the leaves of the plant on which it
has fed half round, and then constructs a snow-white covering, in which it changes to
a brown pupa. The perfect insect appears in from fourteen to eighteen days after the
transformation.—John Scott ; London Works, Renfrew, December 7, 1852.

Economy of Crabro cetratus. —In February, 1851, observing several excavated
brambles in a hedge which had been cut over, I felt curious to know the excavator,
and carried home a few of them. On cutting open some of the stems, I found they
were tenanted by three or four orange-coloured larve or pupe; some of the larve were
quite small, others apparently full grown; and the pup varied in colour from orange
to jet black, many having the head and thorax black, with the abdomen orange. The
nidi had been provisioned with a green Aphis. On the 16th of July following the
perfect insects began to appear, and proved to be the Crabro cetratus of Shuckard.
Some half-dozen ichneumons, with a shortish ovipositor, were developed about a fort-
night before the Crabros. When I pinned the latter, they emitted a powerful per-
fume, somewhat resembling that of roses. A day or two previously to the appearance
of the above, I met with an excavated raspberry-stem in our garden, and captured the
female of the same species while in the act of fabricating her cells: she had excavated
to the depth of nine inches, had formed three cells, and was busy with the fourth.

Insects. 3779

Each cell contained a single egg, of a pale pink colour, and was filled with a green
wingless Aphis. The egg in the lowest cell was much larger than the others. In
_ August last I dug another female out of a stump of whitethorn; in this instance the
nest was provisioned with the black Aphis which infests the bean, and which had ap-
parently been used as a matter of convenience, the adjoining field bearing a crop of
beans, which were much infested with the Aphis. — Thos. John Bold ; Long Benton,
Newcastle-on- Tyne, December 2, 1852.

Hive Bees in want of a Queen.—In your October number (Zool. 3627) are some
remarks by Mr. Filleul on the subject of “‘ Bees welcoming a new Queen.’ I can
fully corroborate my worthy apiarian friend’s statement on this head. About seven
years ago, in the month of June, I had a strong stock of bees which showed symptoms
of being in want of a queen, by at least half a peck of them hanging under the alight-
ing-board ; and this continued for a fortnight. My attention was at this time turned
to avery weak stock, in fact, almost dying. I turned up this unlucky stock, and found
only about a hundred bees in the crown of the hive. The queen, apparently a lively
beautiful bee, seemed to differ entirely from the workers, for they appeared dispirited
and without energy. I seized the queen, took her to the outlying strong stock, and
placed her on the only vacant place near the entrance; the guards rushed out and
surrounded her, but after a few seconds of seeming consultation, they began to show
strong indications of friendship ; they made way for her, and she was gradually con-
ducted into the dense pgpulation of bees: this was about noon. On the next day, at
11 a.m., an immense swarm came away from the hive, and was safely housed. Hu-
ber, the great apiarian, differs from Reaumur on the subject ; but we need not won-
der at this, when we consider that Huber was blind, and trusted to his servant, Francis
Barens, for a great deal of his practical knowledge.

“ Aliquando dormitat bonus Homerus ; ”

and the same may be said of many great writers, — they most of them have their
crotchets. I will mention another attempt to introduce a fresh queen. A swarm went
off and was hived: about an hour afterwards I discovered a bunch of bees on the
ground, and on disturbing them I found a queen. I attempted to introduce her to
another hanging-out swarm, but although the bees offered her no violence, they would
not admit her, and she was literally “‘ bowed out” until she fell off the board to the
ground. Probably she may have had defects which the bees discovered. Bees, as
Mr. Filleul says, are not confined by strict rules; they are most capricious insects at
best. As he is a persevering experimentalist he finds it so; but I wish him every suc-
cess : one so hearty in the cause is sure to succeed in the main. In the simple expe-
riment mentioned by me, it is plain that even bees with one queen at swarming time
will not reject a second; and it is a strange thing that some stocks will go on two or
even three years and never throw off a swarm; the cause can be only a matter of con-
jecture to the apiarian. —H. W. Newman ; New House, Stroud, December 15, 1852.

Do Bees look out at Swarming-time for a Place to go to? —I am of opinion that
they do, but have never been able to ascertain that every swarm went off without first
settling at a short distance from the hive, thus showing their dependance upon man
in their state of domestication. The illustrious French naturalist, Reaumur, ridicules
the idea of hive-bees looking out for a place to go to; although he was a great ob-
server, particularly among the Bombinatrices, I believe he was wrong in his conjecture

3780 Insects.

about this habit of the hive-bee. I will mention a few instances from amongst many.
A swarm settled in a hot day on an espalier in my garden; before I had time to com-
mence hiving them, they took flight in a straight direction to Thornbury Castle, and
entered a crevice of the old wall on the south-east aspect. At night, after sunset, with
the help of a ladder, they were hived in safety and commenced working directly. On
another occasion, a swarm unperceived settled away among some peas late in the af-
ternoon, where they remained all night. I discovered them early next morning, and
told my man to geta hive for them, but before he arrived with it the bees were aruused
by the hot sun and went off with great velocity, no doubt having a young and skittish
queen. They flew 1200 yards in a direct westerly course, and settled in a hollow tree,
where they remained unmolested. On another occasion I had a hive with some old
combs in my garden in June. “Scouts and quarter-masters” were seen every day en-
tering this hive; at last a prime swarm came off one of my old stocks, and after two
or three minutes’ flight in the usual way, they settled under the alighting-board of the
hive with old combs, and hung in an immense bunch. I was obliged to dislodge
them from the board after waiting a long time to see if they would enter the hive, and
then hived them in the usual way. A fourth instance of a long flight of a cast is as
follows. A cast containing about 5000 bees took possession of a vermin-trap by the
‘sea-side, in a very remote part of Somersetshire. I saw these bees working from the
trap ; they had made combs a foot long, and had honey. The owner told me that he
had scoured the country and discovered that there were no begs kept within four miles
of the place, evidently showing what a prodigious flight they had taken. In the last
instance the owner had neglected to watch his bees; but it is quite plain that some
parties must have visited the wooden trap and communicated the locality in their own
way to the swarm. Many inexperienced persons have mistaken a desertion for a
swarm. In cases of desertion, which generally happen early in the spring, the bees
get dissatisfied with something, and set. off in a few days ina direct line, generally
taking possession of the roof of some house, or a chimney, where they always perish :
it is a surt of desperate effort, but at last ends in their destruction ; the bees at these
times having neither numbers nor materials sufficient to make new combs. — I allude
of course to desertions from the old stock.—Zd. :

Note on the scurcer Species of Andrena being found on the Catkhins of the Willow.—
For several years past I have vaptured from off the catkins of two willows (male and
female trees) several specimens of Andrena spinigera and A. apicata; and last year a
specimen of A. eximia. And a friend has also captured off a willow in the neighbour-
hood of Cambridge, a female of Andrena Smithella, with three or four males, which
he considered as belonging to the same species. I give this information, thinking it
may lead collectors to be on the look-out as early as the first week in March, about
which time I have each year captured the above species. The cleanest are taken from
off the female tree, but bees loaded with pollen are easily freed from it by being placed
in a bottle lightly filled with grass, the mouth being covered with net to keep them in
until they have freed themselves from the pollen. I-may add that I have a few spare
duplicates of Andrena distincta, taken last year, a specimen or two of which I shall
have pleasure in giving to any collector who may be in want of them. — W. H. L.
Walcott ; Clifton, Bristol, December, 1852.

Voracity of the Larva of a Beetle. — One afternoon in July last, I noticed a large
earth-worm, about six inches long, crawling across the pathway ina field, with some
object attached to it which it appeared anxious to get rid of, as it kept writhing about

—_

Radiata. 3781

as if in pain. On closer inspection I found that its unwelcome attendant was a Culeo-
pterous larva, nearly an inch in length, which was firmly attached to the worm by its
powerful jaws, at about two inches from the extremity of its tail, where it had nearly
eaten through the worm. On examination, the insect closely resembled the figure of
the larva of either Steropus madidus or Omaseus melanarius, as given by Mr. West-
wood in his ‘ Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects, (i. pl. 2, fig. 4).
The circumstance of this larva attacking a Jarge worm may not be uncommon, but it
‘was new to me; and the only allusion I find to such a propensity among the larve of
beetles, is made by Swammerdam ; who, speaking of the larva of Staphylinus, says it
can very quickly kill earth-worms with its powerful teeth, and afterwards suck them.”
(Hill's edit. p. 125).—R. H. Meade ; Bradford, Yorkshire, November 8, 1852.

Note on the Perforation of a Cistern by Anobium striatum. — At a meeting of the
Linnean Society on November 18, 1852, “ Mr. Adam White, F.L.S., exhibited, on
the part of J. H. Gilbert, Esq., Ph.D., of Harpenden, near St. Albans, a portion of a
wooden cistern lined with lead, and perforated with numerous holes by the Anobium
striatum, in relation to which he entered into a detailed account of the circumstances
in which it had occurred. In this case the cistern, which belonged to Mr. Curtis, a
brewer of Harpenden, was made from an old fermenting tub, which had become much
worm-eaten on the outside. In 1838 it was lined with thin lead (of 5 Ibs. to the square
foot); but in little more than three years it began to leak, when some small holes were
discovered in the lead and were soldered over. In 1842, however, the leakage had in-
creased to such an extent that the leaden lining was removed, and a thicker one (of
18 Ibs. to the square foot) was substituted. Five or six years afterwards, however, the
leakage again commenced; and in 1850 it had proceeded to such an extent that the
cistern was entirely removed to make room for one of iron. On taking out the lining
it was clearly ascertained that the perforations from which the leakage arose were the
work of an insect, which, after boring through the wood, had made its way also through
the leaden lining. A specimen sent by Dr. Gilbert to the British Museum was deter-
mined by Mr. White to be the Anobium striatum ; and similar instances of injury to
wooden cisterns lined with lead were referred to, as detailed in Mr. Westwood’s
‘ Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects, in. the ‘ Zoologist,’ and in the
‘ Proceedings of the Entomological Society.—F'rom the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean
Society, No. 47, p. 153.

List of the Echinodermata hitherto met with in the Moray Firth.*
By the Rev. Gkorce Gorpon.

THE late Laird of Brodie solaced the decline of life by the interest
he took in collecting and transmitting to those more highly versed in
such matters, whatever in the animal or vegetable kingdom appeared
to him either rare or curious in the northern locality in which he re-

*In continuation of the ‘Fauna of Moray,’ see Zool. 421, 502, 551, 3454, 3480, 3678.

3782 Radiata.

sided. He was thus the means of introducing to the scientific world,
in the beginning of the century, several new species. From among
the creelfuls of sea-weed which old Bell Innes, hired for the purpose
by the late Dr. Gordon of Drainie, carried after a gale from the shores
of Stotfield to Brodie House, the Laird was enabled to detect and
pick out Algz new to the eye of Smith, and fitted to try the icono-
graphic skill of Sowerby. His name still lives in Calithamnion Bro-
dizi, and in the species of Polysiphonia and Chondrus that are also
named in honour of him. Two of the most beautiful of the Echino-
dermata—the purple star and knotty cushion-star—were first figured
as British in Sowerby’s ‘ Miscellany,’ from specimens procured from
the Moray Firth by “James Brodie of Brodie, Esq.”

It were needless to say that the order and nomenclature in the pre-
sent list are taken from the ‘ History of British Star-fishes’ by Pro-
fessor Forbes, — incomparably the best work extant upon the British
Echinoderms ; and the present generation has but little chance of
ever getting a better guide to the study of these animals.

Rosy Feather-star, Comatula rosacea. A very mutilated specimen
from the stomach of a haddock, killed in the Moray Firth. in 1850, is
all that has been obtained, but enough to show the existence of the
species in this locality.

Common Sand-star, Ophiura texturata. Common in the Firth,
Fine specimens are occasionally to be found on the fishermen’s lines.
“ Frequent in Burghead Bay,” Mr. M‘Donald. Mr. Weir has pro-
cured some large and complete individuals at Lossiemouth.

Lesser Sand-star, Ophiura albida. Common.

Ball’s Brittle Star, Ophiocoma Ballii. A few specimens only have
been found, in the stomach of a haddock.

Long-armed Brittle Star, Ophiocoma brachiata. Very common. A
favourite element of the food of the haddock at all seasons of the year.

Granulated Brittle Star, Ophiocoma granulata. Banffshire coast,
Mr. Harris ; by whom specimens have been presented to the Elgin
Museum. ‘

Daisy Brittle Star, Ophiocoma Bellis. Frequent; as at the Sker-
ries of Covesea, &c.

“Gamrie Head,” the locality of the “new British Star-fish,” de-
scribed by the Rev. Mr. Smith (Zool. App. cix.) under the name of
O. parmularia, is within the limits of the Moray Firth, the district
comprehended in this list.

Common Brittle Star, Ophiocoma rosula. Much oftener to be met

Radiata. 3783

with between water-marks than any of the genus. One found with
Six rays.

Common Cross-fish, Uraster rubens. ‘“Craw-feet” or “ Cosfit,” as
the fishermen call them. Most abundant, and from its vast numbers
most destructive to the bait of the fishermen, who look on it as their
chief bane in their labours. The U. glacialis has not been met with
and identified on this part of the coast ; but it is highly probable that
it, as well as the less distinct species, U. violacea and hispida, would
be detected here, were authentic specimens, so superior to the best
figures, at hand to compare them with. |

Eyed Cribella, Cribella oculata. Frequent.

Rosy Cribella, Cribella rosea. Found some years ago on the El-
ginshire coast, by Alexander Robertson, Esq., Woodside. Mr. Harris
also meets with it at Gamrie, Banffshire, and has sent two fine speci-
mens to the Elgin Museum.

Purple Sun-star, Solaster endeca. Not rare at any of the fishing
stations of the Firth, being often brought ashore on the lines. First.
recorded as British by Sowerby as “ found by James Brodie, Esq., on
the Nairn coast, in the Moray Firth.”

Common Sun-star, Solaster papposa. More frequent than S. en-
deca. Ina parcel sent from Stotfield in 1850, there were twenty-five
specimens of S. papposa and six of S. endeca.

Birds’-foot Sea-star, Palmipes membranaceus. Several specimens
of this rare species have been obtained of late years by the Lossie-
mouth fishermen. Gamrie (Zool. 3307), Cullen, and Portmahomack,
are also places where it is known to have been brought ashore. The
Cullen specimen had a uniform tint of pinkish red over the whole
dorsal surface ; margin of the under surface deep red, centre white.

Although Professor Forbes says of the next species, the Gibbous
Starlet (Asterina gibbosa), “In Scotland I have found it on the gneiss
rocks of Ross-shire,” it is not intended to include it in this list, as in
all probability the part of Ross-shire referred to is that which is washed
by the waters of “The Minch” on the north-west, and not the eastern
part of the county which is bounded by the Moray Firth.

Another star-fish also found near, but not in, the Moray Firth, is
Templeton’s Cushion-star, (Goniaster Templetoni). “ Dr. Pollexfen
found it on the shores of Orkney,” and hence it may soon be met with
on the south-eastern shores of Caithness or Sutherland.

Knotty Cushion-star, Goniaster equestris. This beautiful star-fish
strikes the eye of the fisherman as something worthy of being brought
to land, and heuce it is oftener to be seen preserved by them than

3784 Radiata.

others that are equally if not more rare. “ It was first figured as Bri-:
tish by Mr. Sowerby, in the ‘ British Miscellany,’ from a specimen
‘found by James Brodie, Esq., in February, 1806, on the coast near
Brodie House,’ in the North of Scotland.”

The Butthorn, Asterias aurantiaca. Frequent. The fishermen say
that this star-fish is commonly found on “hard” ground, that is free
from shifting sands or mud.

The Lingthorn, Luidia fragilissima. Both varieties have been met
with by the Rev. Jas. Weir, at Lossiemouth, when brought from the
fishing-ground by the boats. Perhaps no two varieties of any of the
Echinodermata at first sight look so like distinct species. They differ
in the number of the rays, and, so far as has been observed in this
district, in size and colour. This species has been found by Dr. Fle-
‘ming at Cromarty; Alex. Robertson, Esq., Woodside. Both varieties
have been obtained at Gamrie by Mr. Harris, (Zool. 3307).

Common Egg Urchin, or Sea Egg, Lchinus sphera. Occasionally
found on the sea-rocks at low-water, as at the Stotfield Skerries, &c.
A frequent ornament on the mantel-piece.

Purple-tipped Egg Urchin, Echinus miliaris. Abundant wherever
the shore is rocky.

Green Pea Urchin, Echinocyamus pusillus. Frequent in the sto-
machs of haddocks, and occasionally found among shells on the sea-
beach.

Purple Heart Urchin, Spatangus purpureus. Occasionally found
in the stomach of the haddock, but always in fragments.

Common Heart Urchin, Amphidolus cordatus. “Skate’s Eggs.”
Frequently found on the beach; and often filling the stomach of the
haddock, which seems to be partial to it in feeding.

Rosy Heart Urchin, Amphidotus roseus. Rare.

Angular Sea Cucumber, Cucumaria pentactes. Occasionally met
with.

The Tailed Priapulus, Priapulus caudatus. Seems not uncommon
from the number seen in some fish, cod and haddock. The size and
some other particulars, not being the same in all, seem to indicate
more than one species of Priapulus in the Moray Firth.

The two last species must be but a very small proportion of the
Holothuride and Sipunculide that inhabit the broad and deep waters
of this arm of the German Ocean. To be able to enumerate no more
from such a field, shows at least that little attention has as yet been -
here paid to these tribes. In order, then, to assist in identifying such
forms as may afterwards come under notice, specimens of these two

Entomological Society. 3785

tribes, of the other Echinodermata, and of such of the Crustaceans as
are not included in these Lists, but which are likely to be found thus
far North, are earnestly solicited ; in exchange for which duplicates
of several of the rarer species of Crustaceans and star-fishes already
found in the Moray Firth will be’ readily given.

7 G. GORDON.
Birnie, by Elgin, November, 1852.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

January 3, 1853.—J.O. Westwoop, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — The ‘ Zoologist’ and the ‘ Phytologist’ for January ; by the Editor. The
“Literary Gazette’ for December ; by the Editor. The‘ Atheneum’ for December;
by the Editor. The ‘Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York,’ Vol. v.
Nos. 9—14, 1852; by the Lyceum. ‘Second Report of the Commissioners for the
Exhibition of 1851;’ by the Commissioners. Hewitson’s ‘ Exotic Butterflies,’ Part 5;
by the Author. ‘ Monographie des Guépes Solitaires, ou de la Tribu des Euméniens,
par H. F. de Saussure; by the Author.

The following gentlemen were balloted for and elected Members of the Society :
William Thomson, Esq., Westow Hill, Norwood, and E.C. Buxton, Esq., Spikelands,
Liverpool: also the following as Subscribers to the Society : — Mons. Victor Signoret,

‘Paris; H. V. Tebbs, Esq., Southwood Hall, Highgate, John Scott, Esq., Ferry Road,
Renfrew, and F. Moore, Esq., 4, Molesworth Place, Kentish Town.

The President, having appointed Auditors of the Treasurer's Accounts for the past
year, and announced the changes recommended by the Council to be made in the
Officers and Council at the Anniversary Meeting on the 24th of January, informed the
Members of the death of J. F. Stephens, Esq., one of the Vice-Presidents of the Soci-
ety, on the 21st of December, after a short but severe illness; and stating that he
should allude to his life and labours in the Anniversary Address, proposed as a tribute
of respect to his memory that the Meeting should forthwith adjourn ; which was una-
nimously agreed to.

Resolved further, that a letter of condolence on her melancholy bereavement, he
sent to the widow of Mr. Stephens in the name of the Society.

Anniversary Meeting, January 24, 1853. —J. O. Westwoop, Esq., President, in
the chair.

The Secretary read the chapter of the Bye-laws pertaining to the Annual General
Meeting, also the Report of the Library and Cabinet Committee made to and adopted
by the Council.

One of the Auditors read an abstract of the Treasurer's Accounts for 1852, from
which it appeared that there was a deficiency of Assets compared with Liabilities of

XI. K

3786 Microscopical Society.

£18; to which should be added £7 for Subscriptions due, which must be deemed
to be bad debts, making a total deficiency of £25.

In drawing attention to this matter, the President stated that the Council saw no
reason for despondency, for the excess of expenditure over income was due in a great
measure to the unavoidable outlay in removing from Bond Street, and fitting up the
Library, Museum, &c., in the new rooms; the removal itself being forced upon the
Society by circumstances over which it had no control, and they therefore recommend-
ed that as the adverse balance was the result of accidental events, it should be met by
a general and special subscription among the Members, in order that the operations
of the Society might not be impeded.

The President having appointed two Scrutineers, the ballots took place, when it
appeared that Messrs. E. Newman, W. W. Saunders, A. F. Sheppard, and S. War-
ing, were elected into the Council, in the room of Messrs. F, Smith, H. T. Stainton,
J.J. Weir, and W. Yarrell; also, that the following were elected to the respective
offices; — Edward Newman, Esq., F.L.S., Z.S. &c., President; S. Stevens, Esq.,
F.L.S., Treasurer ; J. W. Douglas and W. Wing, Secretaries.

The President delivered an Address on the state of the Society, and the progress of
Entomology generally during the past year; for which, and his services to the Socie-
ty, the Members passed an unanimous vote of thanks, and he was requested to allow
his Address to be printed.

Votes of thanks were also passed to the Treasurer, Secretaries, and retiring Mem-
bers of the Council. ;

The President announced that the Council had received three essays, in competi-
tion for the prize of £5 offered by the Society for the best essay on the duration of life
in the male, female, and worker of the honey-bee ; that they had adopted the report of
the Committee to which they had been referred, namely, that the essay bearing the
motto, “In tenui labor, at tenuis non gloria” was very able and worthy of the prize;
and upon the accompanying note being opened, the author was found to be Mr. Des-
borough, of Stamford. Mr. Desborough being in attendance, was then presented with
the amount of the prize.

The unsuccessful essays will be delivered to the authors, upon the presentation of
their order to do so, accompanied by a copy of the motto adopted by them, the enve-
lopes containing their names not having been opened.—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the Microscopical Society.

June 23, 1852.—Gro. Jackson, Esq., in the chair.

A paper by Professor Williamson, entitled “‘ Further Contributions to the Struc-
ture of Volvox globator,” was read.

The author’s views with respect to the cellular nature of certain appearances in
Volvox globator, as detailed by him in the ‘ Transactions of the Philosophical Society
of Manchester, having been controverted by Mr. Busk in a paper lately read to this
Society, and as subsequent researches have, in Mr. Williamson’s opinion, confirmed
his former statements as to the cellular structure of that organism ; he considered it
necessary to lay before the Society the present paper, containing some account of the

Microscopical Society. 3787

observations by which he considers he has established the correctness of his former
assertions. The object of the paper was therefore tu adduce proofs, not of the vege-
table nature of Volvox globator, for on that point both gentlemen agree, but of the
cellular nature of certain appearances in that body. The author described the hexa-
gonal cells which form a peripheral stratum in the Volvox as being exceedingly diffi-
cult to detect in the living organism, and gave an account of thezr various appearances
under different circumstances, stating also that difference of locality alone is sufficient
to produce very varied appearances, as well as differences in the time of the year.
The radiating threads which connect the cells were described at great length and mi-
nutely detailed, and the conclusion arrived at was that these threads consist partly of
the ductile mucilaginous membrane of the protoplasm, and partly of its contents, the
latter being present in various proportions. He also instituted a comparison between
the cells in certain Ulvaceous plants and those of Volvox, and stated that he consi-
dered the vesicles of the latter to be of precisely the same character as those of the
former, and consequently that they are, in every sense of the word, real cells. The
author next investigated the origin of the superficial pellicle of Volvox, which he con-
siders as formed by the consolidation of the cell-walls; and then proceeded to endea-
vour to determine the relative periods at which the cells, the superficial pellicle, and
the cilia are developed, and expressed his opinion that the cilia are the first to make
their appearance, the cells and outer pellicle being subsequent growths. The nature
of the fluid within the Volvox formed the next subject for discussion; this he consi-
ders not to be water, but apparently mucilage. He then pointed out the close analogy
that exists in the development of Volvox globator, and that exhibited by many of the
lower Algz and Conferve ; and concluded by expressing his opinion that every fact
brought to light by this inquiry tended to confirm his previous conclusions, namely,
that the affinities of the Volvox are with the vegetable rather than with the animal
kingdom.

- October 27, 1852.—GrorcE Busk, Esq., in the chair.

A paper by Joseph Delves, Esq., “On the Application of Photography to the Re-
presentation of Microscopic Objects,” was read. After some preliminary observations
the author stated that the only arrangement necessary for the purposes of photography
is the addition to the microscope of a dark chamber, similar to that of the camera
obscura, having at one end an aperture for the insertion of the eye-piece, and at the
other a groove for carrying the ground glass plate. This dark chamber should not
exceed 18 inches in length, as, if longer, the pencil of light transmitted by the object-
glass is diffused over too large a surface, and a faint and unsatisfactory picture is the
result. Another advantage is that pictures at this distance are in size very nearly
equal to the object as seen in the microscope. The time of producing the picture va-
ries from 5to 15seconds. The author also made some remarks upon the mode of ma-
nipulating, and concluded by calling attention to some very beautiful specimens that
were afterwards presented to the Society.—J. W.

3788 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

_ Tue first meeting of the eighty-second session of the Royal Physical Society was
held on Saturday, November 13, at two o'clock, at 6, York Place, when there was a
very full attendance of members and visitors.

Dr. Cotpstream, on taking the chair, delivered the following opening address,
for which the cordial thanks of the Society were tendered to him :—

“ There has been of late a great increase in the numbers of earnest and successful
students of nature. In all parts of the three kingdoms we find accomplished natu- :
ralists ; here solitary, there in groups. Go where you will, you meet with, or you hear
of some industrious geologist or zoologist. In the most remote localities you are pre-
sented with the proofs of youthful zeal in collecting, or of laborious earnestness in
examining: the scalpel and the microscope, the pencil and the pen, are all diligently
employed in situations and circumstances in which they were, till lately, almost un-
known. I believe that the many admirable papers and monographs which are pub-
lished almost daily in our scientific journals, and transactions of societies, supply
imperfect indications of the amount of natural history research constantly carried on.
There is a large body of sincere lovers of nature who have learned to search out the
wonderful works of God for their own sakes,—to gaze upon their beauty, as expressive
of the ineffable attributes of the Divine mind,—and to realize in their own souls those
healthful emotions which the contemplation of creation in a proper spirit never fails to

-inspire. Doubtless all now present agree with me in regarding this state of matters
as in a high degree satisfactory and encouraging; for most of us have felt how good
a thing it is to consider the admirable forms, structures, and functions of the created
objects that surround us; and we desire nothing more than to have this good, of which
we have tasted, shared in by others. The constitution of our nature does not admit of
all men becoming naturalists, but we are sure that it would be greatly for the ad-
vantage of society at large were the taste for natural history still more widely diffused
than it is even now. And it is to promote such diffusion that this and kindred societies
have been instituted and are maintained. The earnest spirit of research, once fully
roused, generally impels those actuated by it to seek for the society of persons like-
minded, to impart to them their discoveries and their theories, and to exchange expres-
sions of mutual sympathy. Hence it is that associations of naturalists have existed
in all places and in all times, in which true philosophy held sway. At no time, how-
ever, were they more needed than at present, when the sciences of observation have
been so greatly enlarged that it is hardly possible for any one mind to grasp the whole
range of them. There isneither capacity deep enough, nor life long enough, to enable
any man to possess himself of the recorded results of modern scientific research. And
yet a general knowledge of the progress of discovery, in all the fields cultivated, is
essential to the satisfactory working of any one of them. Every naturalist worthy of
the name feels the desirableness of watching the advance of others in the domains
beyond his own. To get on well in his own field, he must at least occasionally ascend
a hill, and observe what is doing in his neighbout’s fields. And just such posts of
observation are societies like this. We come together for mutual improvement in the
knowledge of nature, and, by the expression of that sympathy which all naturalists
love to cherish, to cheer one another onwards in our respective paths. The prime
object at which we aim is the increase of our acquaintance with creation, which ought

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3789

to lead us to praise the Creator; and the second is, the increase of our interest in
each other’s welfare. And how vast the field is over which we are called to expatiate!
Although we have agreed to limit our attention, as a Society, chiefly to zoology, pa-
leontology, and microscopy, we find a great range of subjects, with the whole of which
a few only amongst us are acquainted; but we agree to learn from one another ; and
we believe that the very youngest amongst us may furnish something that may in-
crease our common stock of knowledge, Even in the fields of natural science which
we have marked out for our proper cultivation, we believe that there are riches inex-
‘haustible,—food for the mind in unimaginable quantity. Doubtless, it is a common
idea amongst young naturalists, that in a short time, through the united labours of so
‘great a body of zealous observers as now exists, the science of natural history is likely
to be so perfect that there will be no room for the researches of future observers. It
seems not at all an impracticable thing to assemble specimens of every animal, plant,
and mineral species that exists on the surface of our globe, to describe their structure,
and to learn their habits; and supposing this to be done, there would apparently be
an end put to the calling of the scientific naturalist. But wonderful it is how the
charm of novelty is unceasingly supplied to those who give themselves to the
work of searching out the secrets of creation. Even amongst the smallest, and ap-
parently simplest, organisms, the longer and more minutely we scrutinize, the more do
we get to wonder at and admire. Here, truly, we are taught, in some measure, and
according to the feebleness of our comprehension, to appreciate the reality of the at-
tributes of Infinite Power, co-operating with Infinite Goodness and Wisdom. I
believe most of us are now disposed to agree with that keen-witted thinker of a former
age, Sir Thomas Brown, when he says, ‘‘in the most imperfect creatures, and such as
were not preserved in the ark, but having their seeds and principles in the womb of
nature, are everywhere where the power of the sun is,—in these is the wisdom of God’s
hand discovered ; out of this rank Solomon chose the object of his admiration ; indeed,
what reason may not go to schcol to the wisdom of bees, ants, and spiders? What wise
hand teacheth them to do what reason cannot teach us? Ruder heads stand amazed
at those prodigious pieces of nature, whales, elephants, and camels; these, I confess,
are the colossus and majestic pieces of her hand; but in those narrow engines there
is more curious mathematics, and the civility of those little citizens more neatly set
forth the wisdom of their Maker.” The extensive use of the microscope in modern
times enables us most cordially to homologate the sentiments of Brown, and that with
a degree of intelligence which he could not, with all his sagacity, have attained to.
What Brown and his predecessors imagined, we see clearly; so that the merest tyro
in the observation of nature now starts from a vantage ground which in former days
was reached by but a few of the wisest of men. And assuredly, the results of the
labours of the last century, in the course of which natural history has immensely ex-
tended its domain, tend to assure us that, however accurately men may retain the
existing amount of natural knowledge, and however diligently they may continue their
researches and observations for ages to come, there will still remain abundance of sub-
jects for inquiry, to exercise the faculties, and to gratify the affections, even of the
most remote of our descendants.

“¢ Still seems the thought enormous? Think again :—
Experience’ self shall aid thy lame belief;
Glasses (that revelation to the sight !)

3790 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Have they not led us deep in the disclose

Of fine-spnn nature, exquisitely small,

And, though demonstrated, still ill-conceived ?

If, then, on the reverse the mind would mount

In magnitude, what mind ean mount too far,

To keep the balance, and creation poise ?’— Young.

Thus it is that, so long as reason holds her seat, the right-hearted naturalist wearies
not in his work. The longer he lives, the more he sees to admire, and the more en-
larged do his ideas become of the glory of the Great Fountain of life, and light, and
peace. I take the liberty of reminding you of these things, for the purpose of stirring
you up to take a lively and active interest in the working of this Society, the existence
and prosperity of which depend upon the combined efforts of its members to contribute
each his quota to its proceedings. It appears.to me that, by a few years of earnest
labours, this Society may be instrumental in doing a great amount of good, the fruits
of which will long endure. I now refer particularly to the influence which we (as the
only active associated body of naturalists in the metropolis of Scotland) may very
legitimately endeavour to bring tu bear in favour of that movement now in progress, -
which has for its object the introduction of natural history, as an ordinary branch of
elementary education, into all our schools. Forty or fifty years have elapsed since this
movement began, and, doubtless, some progress has been made; but I presume that
I speak the mind of most of those now present who are conversant with the subject,
when I say, that there is great room for improvement in both the style and the matter
of the natural-history lessons at present given in schools. Now, it appears to me that
the consideration of the what and the how in this matter may very properly be taken
up and discussed here. I cannot but regard this as an important subject; and I ear-
nestly hope that some one amongst us, able to do justice to it, will bring it in a proper
shape before the Society. Doubtless, it is in a great measure owing to the commercial
prosperity of the nation, that there has been, of late, so great an increase in the
numbers of students of natural history. Men whose affluent circumstances give them
abundance of leisure and of means for the prosecution of science, begin to be wise
enough to learn that the pursuit of natural history is both delightful and healthful.
It is certainly not because our Government has taken science much more fully under
its protection than formerly that its votaries have increased. Yet, what has been
begun without the aid of Government, may in future owe much to that aid: and I feel
assured that associations such as ours may do a great deal towards bringing about this.
If it be shown—as you well know it can be shown—that the study of nature in a
proper spirit exerts the most wholesome effects on the moral and intellectual, as well
as upon the physical nature of man, may it not be confidently expected that our rulers
will yet come to see the desirableness of making proper provision for the more general
initiation of youth in natural science? To be in any measure instrumental in ob-
taining such a boon for the nation, is surely an object well worthy of the attention
and best endeavours of our Society. And again, it appears likely that, not only in
education, but in therapeutics, a more exact acquaintance with natural history is
henceforth to be regarded as a sine qua non. You require not to be told that the
contemplation of the objects of nature around us, in mass or superficially, is very
inferior in power to minister successfully to the mind diseased, to the earnest scrutiny
which science teaches. The soothing effeets of the discovery of beauty, order,

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3791

harmony, and fitness, are far greater and more lasting than the vague impressions
derived from general views and byief glimpses of the esthetic in nature. We accord-
ingly find that modern medical psychologists have been led to see that, in prescribing
_ for certain classes of their patients, it is of no small importance to advise something
more specific than a walk into the country, or a visit to some fine scenery, or a ramble
by the sea-side. They recommend the adoption of some particular department of
natural history as a field for research; and, sending some to the mountains in search
of Alpine plants; others to the wouds to acquaint themselves with the habits of
beetles and spiders; and yet others to the shores of the sea to gather and to observe
the infinite variety of its inhabitants—they have the satisfaction of seeing, not only a
restoration to health of body brought about, bnt great pleasure expressed in the dis-
covery of new and unfailing sources of happiness. In a remarkable work, lately
published by Dr. Feuchtersleben of Vienna, entitled ‘ The Dietetics of the Soul’ (of
which an English translation has just appeared), this is brought out very fully. He
places the “ contemplation of nature at the head of his system of mental dietetics,”—
to use his own words ; that is to say, that he (one of the most experienced psycholo-
gists of the day) has discovered no better means for the preservation and restoration
of mental health than the study of natural history. And, doubtless, many physicians
hold by the same opinion. Such considerations may perhaps have some effect in
inducing you to take, if possible, a more intelligently active interest in the business
of this Suciety, seeing that through it we may not only benefit one another, but be
instrumental in doing much good to others. You. are aware that we now enter upon
the eighty-second session of this Society. Butso far as it represents the Chirurgico-
Medical Society, which existed four years prior to the institution of the Physical, we
are now about eighty-six years of age. Originally founded by students of medicine,
the Physical Society for a long time was composed chiefly of such. But the subjects
discussed were not merely medical—the whole range of physical science was embraced.
Not a few of the many eminent men who received their professional education at this
University were active members. It has beena remarkable feature in the history of
the Society, that it has received into its own membership several other Societies, which
became amalgamated with it. Besides the Chirurgico-Medical, already mentioned, the
American Physical was incorporated with it in 1795; the Hibernian Medical Society
in 1799: the Chemical Society in 1803; the Natural History Society in 1812; the
Didactic Society in 1813. Thus, you see, we have had many progenitors. Never-
theless (as is probably known to most of those present) in spite of these numerous
accessions of tributary streams, some years ago the main stream became almost dry.
A great drought there was, so that the channel was laid bare. It is now four years
since it was revived, chiefly through the exertions of Professor Fleming, in the hope
that it might be made a sufficiently attractive point of union for the working natu-
ralists of this city. And that hope has not been disappointed. Almost all who love
the study of nature are either with us, or friendly to our position; and the proceed
ings of the last three or four sessions have been sufficient to prove the growing
interest felt in the object of our meetings. .During last session, there were twenty-
Seven papers and communications produced at the eight meetings; and you are well
aware that some of these were of great interest and importance. Allow me, in
conclusion, to advert to the good examples of earnest diligence as naturalists, which
were set before us by those distinguished men who have been removed from amongst;
us by death within the last year or two. I refer to the late Sir John Graham

3792 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Dalyell, Dr. Patrick Neill, and Professor M‘Gillivray of Aberdeen, each of whom has
left a blank not soon to be filled up. Scotland has had few, if any, such aceomplished
naturalists. It well becomes this Society affectionately and respectfully to cherish
the memory of these excellent men. Sir John Dalyell was appointed ‘first President
after the revival of the Society; and although his bodily infirmities prevented him from
attending our meetings, we received many proofs of his interest in us, and of his
constant desire to promote our object. Of the singleness of aim, indomitable per-
severance, profound sagacity, and wonderful success with which Sir John, throughout
the course of his long life, gave his days and nights to the searching out of the most
obscure parts of the great plan of creation, we may be thankful that so admirable
and valuable a monument is preserved to us, as appears in his ‘ History of Rare and
Remarkable Animals of Scotland, the completion of the publication of which has
been entrusted to our distinguished associate Dr. Fleming. To go through that won-
derful work is, indeed, to sit at the feet of a great master, in whom we rejoice to see
not only an extraordinary amount of knowledge, but a deep veneration for Him whose
works he would attempt to unravel. We shall all expect with interest a full
biography of Sir J ohn from Dr. Fleming, when he shall have completed the publica-
tion of his posthumous works. Dr. Neill also was a member of this Society. He
entered it from the Natural History Society in 1812. Few men of his day knew so
much from personal observation of the Zoology and Botany of Scotland, as did Dr.
Neill. Those who knew him personally (and these were indeed many) will long
remember his modesty, simplicity, and acuteness as an observer, and his kindness,
steadfastness, and sincerity as a friend. His public spirit was ever active; and to it
we are indebted for the institution of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, and of
the Zoological Gardens, as well as for abundant and self-denying labours in connexion
with many other scientific and charitable institutions. His wondrous little treasury
ef plants and animals at Canonmills was indeed an earthly paradise to those who
could appreciate the moral excellencies of the possessor, as well as the riches of the
spot. Professor M‘Gillivray was a native of the Hebrides, but resided in Edinburgh
for many years before his removal to the Chair of Natural History in Aberdeen. Here
he filled in succession, and with great credit, the offices of Assistant-Keeper of the
College Museum, and of Conservator of the Museum of the Royal College of Sur-
geons. He was a most laborious student and exact observer. His published works
prove how well acquainted he was with a large range of subjects in natural history.
Doubtless, had his life been prolonged, he would have done much to extend the
science and to foster a taste for the study of natural history.”

Mr. Hugh Miller then read a paper on the ancient Grauwacke Rocks of Scotland,
with a historical sketch of the progress of geologic discovery among them during the '
last sixty years, and a brief description of what is at present known regarding their
place, character, and organisms. The paper was illustrated with a fine collection of
Scoto-Silurian fossils, On the motion of Professor Fleming, the thanks of the Society
were unanimously voted to Mr. Miller for his valuable and interesting paper.

Saturday, December 11, 1852.—Mr. Hueu Miter, President, in the chair.

The following donations to the library were laid on the table, and thanks voted to
their respective donors:—‘ The Transactions of the China Branch of the Royal Asia-
tic Society’ for 1848—50; per Dr. Coldstream. ‘ Dr. Johnstone’s Flora of Berwick-
upon-T weed ;’ from the author, per R, F. Logan, Esq.

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3793

The following communications were read :—

I. Notice of the Bridled Guillemot (Uria lachrymans, Temm.), shot near North
Berwick; by John Alexander Smith, M.D. The bridled or ringed guillemot, Dr.
Smith said, derived its name, and apparently its principal distinctive character, from
a ring of white feathers which encircles its eyes, and from which a white band extends
backwards, in this specimen, for an inch and a half along the usual dividing line
which exists here in the guillemot. On a closer comparison, however, between the
Uria troile, Zinn., and this bird, we find the bill of the U. lachrymans to be smaller,
and more slender, and the bird to be apparently altogether rather less in size. These
distinctions, however, he observed, are by no means well marked or decided in their
character. Dr. Smith stated that this U. lachrymans was one of three specimens which
were shot off North Berwick, in the end of June last year, each being along with a
flock of the common guillemot; and that Mr. John Richardson, Pencaitland (by
whose kindness he was enabled to exhibit it), informed him they generally occurred in
company with small flocks of the common species, and only in very small numbers ;
and that he never saw a flock of them by themselves: he stated also, that they seemed
very averse to take wing, always remaining on the water after the common guillemot
takes flight, and when fired at they generally attempted to escape by diving frequently,
and swimming a great distance under water. Mr. Richardson has been in the habit
of shooting over the Firth near North Berwick, more or less regularly, from March to
September, for the last fifteen or twenty years ; and although he has shot great num-
bers of the U. troile, it was only within the last two or three years that he observed the
difference between it and the U. lachrymans, and since that time he has occasionally
noticed the latter bird during all these various months. Mr. Gould states that the
U. jlachrymans occurs on various parts of the coast of Britain, particularly those
of Wales. Mr. Yarrell mentions its occurrence on the coasts of Yorkshire and Dur-
ham. The late Professor M’Gillivray refers, in his British Birds, to a specimen shot
in the Firth of Forth in April, 1824, and another, a young bird, shot in winter with
the same distinguishing white ring round the eye: he says he always looked upon
them as mere varieties of the U. troile, and thereupon paid little attention to them ;
and he considers the question of its being a distinct species as still very doubtful. Sir
W. Jardine, in the ‘ Naturalist’s Library,’ says, “ We have never had the good fortune
to meet the bridled guillemot in Scotland, nor do the fishermen, or inhabitants near
the trading places,—almost always very correct in their distinctions of the creatures
frequenting their vicinity,—know it.” The permanency of the white markings already
alluded to, both in winter and summer, in male and female, and apparently in young
as well as old birds; and the statements of naturalists of its breeding places being dis-
tinct from the U. troile, as at the island of Grimsey, north of Iceland, visited by Mr.
Procter, as well as the fact stated by him, that the inhabitants always set apart these
birds, and selected their eggs as distinct from the common guillemot; all give an ad-
ditional interest to any details of its habits, and tend to strengthen the belief of its
being possibly a distinct species. Dr. Smith also stated, that, from the careless way in
which some of our sportsmen noticed the birds which they shot, he was almost inclined
to think the young of the razorbill (Alca torda), which has a white line running from
the eye forwards to the bill, may have been mistaken for this rarer bird; and, by rather
a strange oversight, he found this white marking of the Alca torda described as be-
longing to the U. lachrymans, in the notes added to the 8vo edition of Cuvier’s ‘ Animal
Kingdom,’ recently published by Orr & Co., London, The U. lachrymans, Dr. Smith

XT, L

3794 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

stated, seemed to be by no means a common bird in this district, or it had been
strangely overlooked; as, with the exception of Mr. Small, George Street, who pre-
pared this specimen, none of our bird-stuffers ever saw an individual which had been
captured in our neighbouring seas.

Mr. Logan remarked that he had brought with him a very interesting paper on
this bird, published by Mr. John Wolley, which was diametrically opposed to the
opinions of Mr. Procter, and stating that he believed the bird to be merely the young
of the U. troile, although in this case the changes in the white ring would be the very
reverse of what takes place in the Alca torda, in which the white line on the head be-
comes more distinct as the bird approaches maturity. Still it bred in the same locali-
ties as the U. troile, and seemed in all other respects exactly to correspond. Dr.
Fleming doubted the propriety of a white ring or streak being looked upon as a dis-
tinctive character, considering how much the black and white colours vary in the
winter and summer plumage of many of these birds. He stated he had always been
in the habit of looking upon it as a mere variety of the U. troile.

II. The Rev. John Fleming, D.D., next exhibited a recent specimen of the little
auk, or common rotche (Alca alle, Linen in its winter plumage, which had been
kindly sent to him by the Rev. Mr. Cunningham of Prestonpans, near which place it
had been taken in an exhausted state by some fishermen. Dr.John Alexander Smith
mentioned that another specimen of this bird had been shot in the Firth off Dalmeny
Park during the severe frosty weather we had about a month ago.

III. A number of interesting specimens of snakes, insects, &c., which had been
collected by the Rev. H. M. Waddell, at the Mission of Old Calabar, was next exhi-
bited. Mr. Waddell had for some time been stationed there as a missionary for the
United Presbyterian Church, and on his recent return to this country he had brought
with him the specimens in question. These he had liberally divided among some of
the naturalists in this city, in order that they might be examined, identified, and ex-
hibited tothe Society.

Among the objects shown, Mr. James Cunningham, W. S. (on behalf of Dr.
Coldstream, who was unavoidably absent), exhibited a specimen of the very curious
Arachnidan Phrynus lunatus of Olivier, Latreille, &c. It belongs to the tribe of
Solifuge (Tarentulide) and is supposed to be very poisonous. Mr. Waddell stated
that this was the only specimen of the kind he had ever met with, and that it had
been found in an outhouse among some Jumber.

Dr. Lowe next reported on one or two species of Myriapoda—one of which was a
very large species of Iulus, in which, from its size, the peculiar characters of the
genus were very distinctly seen. In connexion with this he gave some very interesting
information as to the habits of one of the British species which he had himself
watched.

Mr. Andrew Murray, W. S., to whom the beetles had mostly fallen, exhibited
them, and reported that the principal species were Augosoma Centaurus, Fab., male
and female, Oryctes Monoceros, Oliv., and Diplognatha Gagates, Fab. There was
also a species of Oryctes, which was probably undescribed, and which at least was not
in the collection of the British Museum, to which he had sent it for identification.
The beetles shown were all of large size and sombre colours.

Mr. K. F. Logan described eight of the insects; two gigantic spiders, one of them
belonging to the family Mygalide ; and, after alluding to the fabled bird-catching
propensities of the genus Mygale, completely disproved by their habits, read an extract

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3795

from the ‘ Proceedings of the Entomological Society,’ which went very far to prove
that there actually exists in India a bird-catching spider, little inferior in dimensions
to the Mygale Avicularia, but belonging to another division of the order, and proba-
bly a gigantic species of Epeira. Among the other insects was a beautiful Mantis,
and a Coleopterous Lamellicorn larva, three inches in length, and one in breadth, of
a dark olive colour, clothed anteriorly with reddish brown hairs, and with very distinct
black spiracles. ,

It was then mentioned that the snakes were in the course of being examined by
Professor Traill, and would probably form the subject of a future communication.

The cordial thanks of the Society were given to Mr. Waddell for the interest he
thus exhibited in the promotion of science, and for the kind and handsome manner
in which he had presented his collection to the members.

IV. A variety of living land-shells were then shown. They had been collected by
Dr. Knapp last summer, during an excursion in Switzerland, and he had brought them
home and kept them since alive in the glass globe in which they were exhibited. Dr.
Greville enumerated the species which were shown, and gave some interesting details
relating to them. The thanks of the Society were voted to Dr. Knapp for the exhi-
bition.

V. A serpent from the Amatola, Kaffrland, and supposed to be identical with the
Egyptian cobra or asp, was exhibited through the kindness of the Rev. A. Somerville,
and excited much interest, the fangs being fully displayed, and having the poison con-
densed around their orifices.

VI. An interesting paper was then read on the Injurious Effects of Cedar-wood
Drawers, by Professor Fleming.

VII. Note on the Helix aspersa, by Mr. Hugh Miller.

In a conversation which followed the reading of Dr. Fleming’s paper, for which
he received the thanks of the Society, it was stated by Mr. John Stewart, in confirma-
tion of the view taken regarding the pernicious effects of cedar-wood on natural history
specimens, and works of art and vertu, that, having committed to the keeping of a
cedar-wood drawer a set of delicate photographs, he found, on examining them after
the lapse of some time, that they had almost all suffered, and that from most of them
the images were wholly effaced.

At the conclusion of the meeting, James Wilson, Esq., Woodville ; William Brown,
Esq., F.R.C.S.E., Dublin Street; and John William Hadden, Esq., from Van Die-

_ man’s Land; were elected members of the Society ; and the following gentlemen were
unanimously chosen office-bearers for the ensuing year :—

Presidents —John Coldstream, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.P.; Hugh Miller, Esq.; Rev.

John Fleming, D.D., Professor of Natural Saino, New Canines: Edinburgh.

Council.—James Cunningham, Esy., W.S.; Robert K. Greville, LL.D.; Robert
Chambers, Esq.; William H. Lowe, Esq., M. D.; 5 Charles Maclaren, Esq. ; pe? An-
drew Murray, Esq., W.S.

Treasurer.—W illiam Oliphant, Esq.

Secretary —John Alexander Smith, Esq., M.D.

Assistant Secretary.—George Lawson, Esq.
Honorary Librarian.—Robert F. Logan, Esq. |

Library Committee. — William Rhind, Esq.; John Murray, Esq., M.D.; and
Patrick Dalmahoy, Esq., W.S.

3796 - Loological Society. —

Proceedings of the Zoological Society.

Tuesday, January 11, 1853. — Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the chair.

Mr. Waterhouse described a new species of rodent from South America, remarka-
ble for having a very short tail, and strong fore-feet, furnished with large and nearly
straight claws. It was from the province of Mendoza, having recently been sent by
Mr. Bridges, after whom it was named by Mr. Waterhouse, Hesperomys Bridgesii.

M. G. P. Deshayes described thirty-seven new species of shells from the collection
of Mr. Cuming, including several very interesting types.

Dr. Gray described a new salamander from California, under the name of Amby-
stoma Californiensis ; and a gigantic tortoise from the Galapagos, under the name of
Testudo platycephalus. The latter species is established on a skull only.

Tuesday, January 25, 1853.—Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the chair.

The Secretary read a letter from Mr. L. Fraser, H.M. Vice-Consul at Whidah, writ-
ten from Clarence, Fernando Po, and addressed to Mr. Cuming. It contained some
notice of the existence of a large Quadrumanous animal in the interior, called by the
natives Tap-par-po-har, which is supposed by them to be a chimpanzee, but which is
considered by Mr. Fraser to be most probably a Cynocephalus. Mr. Fraser has not
yet succeeded in obtaining aspecimen. He describes two new birds obtained in June
and July last, at Fernando Po, under the names of Bubo poensis, and Buceros poensis.

M. Deshayes read a paper on the animals of Camostrea, Clementia, and Glauco-
nome; and in the course of it he took occasion to describe fourteen new species of the
genus Mactra, and two of Clementia.

Dr. Gray read a paper on the division of Stenobranchiate Gasteropodous Mollusca,
in which he made use of the character afforded by the mouth, which he considers to
establish the distinction of two great groups in a much more natural manner than the
presence or absence of a siphon in the mantle, and to be more consistent with the ha-
bits of the animals, and much less liable to exceptions. The character upon which
Dr. Gray chiefly relies, is the form, disposition, and number of the teeth on the lin-
gual membrane. His arrangement is as follows : —

Suborder I.—PrososcipirEra. 14. Scalariade.
Fam. 1. Muricide. 15. Acteonide.

2. Buccinide. 16. Acuside.
3. Olivide. 17. Pyramidellide.
4. Lamellariade. 18. Architectomide.
5. Fasciolaride.
6. Volutide. Suborder II.—RostriFera.
7. Pleurotonide. Fam. 1. Cancellariede.
8. Doliide. 2. Conide.
9. Tritoniade. 3. Amphiperaside.
10. Scytotypide. 4. Cypreade.
11. Volutonide. 5. Pediculariade.
12. Naticide. 6. Aporrhaide.
13. Cassidide. 7. Strombide.

Society of British Entomologists. 3797

8. Phoride. . 15. Vermetide.

9. Ampullariade. 16. Vanicoride.
10. Viviparide. 17. Valvatide.
11. Rissoellide. 18. Cecide.

12. Littorinide. 19. Truncatellide.
13. Planaxide. 20. Capulide.
14. Melaniade. 21. Calyptreide.

M. Deshayes made some observations upon the manner in which the animals of
these groups take their prey.—D. W. M.

Proceedings of the Society of British Entomologists.

January 4, 1853.—Mr. Harpina, President, in the chair.

The President exhibited some living specimens of Phragmatobia papyratia, bred
within doors, and said he could have brought several more, as they still continued to
come out of the chrysalides.

The President then addressed the Members; and having made some observations
on the prosperous state of the Society, concluded with comments upon the pleasing
results of entomological researches during the past year. He instanced the labours of
Mr. Weaver in Scotland, whereby our cabinets have been enriched by several valuable
acquisitions. In other parts of the country also many rare insects have been found in
considerable abundance; among which he mentioned Agrotis lunigera, Aporophila
australis, and Plusia orichalcea, besides many rare or new Micro-Lepidoptera; and he
had no doubt that another year of perseverance would produce still more gratifying
results. But amidst all these causes of congratulation, the President remarked that
there were still many motives for sorrow. A sad loss had been experienced in the de-
cease of one of the best and most independent writers on Entomology,—Mr. J. F. Ste-
phens. It appeared as if every year were to be taken from us some of our best teach-
ers. A short time since we had to deplore the loss of Mr. E. Doubleday, then of the
Rev. W. Kirby; and in Scotland, Sir John Graham Dalyell, Dr. Patrick Neill, and
Professor MacGillivray had recently been removed by death. But these losses should
not be allowed to depress the energies of the naturalist; they should rather incite him
to renewed exertions. The President was happy to say that the ranks of this Society
had not been thinned by death; they nevertheless felt the temporary loss of several of
their members who have gone abroad, and whose company they might again hope to
enjoy, although they could not profit by their labours, the Society’s cabinets being ex-
clusively devoted to the reception of British insects.

A letter was then read from Mr. Oxley, who is in Australia, containing observa-
tions on the number of insects he had met with. He had been particularly struck
with the beauty of some of the Lepidoptera, of which he said he should make a point
of forming a collection.

A vote of thanks to the President and Secretary having been passed, the meeting
adjourned.—J. 7. W.

3798 Isle of Wight Philosophical Society.

Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Philosophical and Scientific Society.

December 20, 1852.—Several new members were proposed for admission, to be bal-
loted for at the next meeting.

Donations of numerous geological specimens were announced from C. Cramer,
Esq., Rev. C. U. Barry, and C. Pearson, Esq.

Professor E. Forbes, of London, who has been for some time engaged in this Joca-
lity upon the Geological Survey of Great Britain, exhibited some living specimens of
remarkable Limaces, taken in the Isle of Wight, by Mr. Gibbs, including the black
caricated slug (Limax Gagates), which had never been noticed but once before in
England.

Professor Forbes then proceeded to give an account of the freshwater tertiary for-
mations of which the greater part of the northern portion of the Isle of Wight is made.
Hitherto it has been supposed by all geologists who have written upon the district, that
the well-known Headon Hill, upper and lower freshwater formation, constituted most
of the country to the north of the chalk range. Mr. Prestwich alone suggested that
the cliffs of Hempstead, near Yarmouth, were composed of higher beds. [In reality,
‘however, the Headon-hill beds, properly so called, constitute but a very narrow strip
of the island; and certain strata that rest upon them, including the limestones and
marls of Bembridge, Binstead, Cowes, Gurnet Bay, Hempstead Ledge, and Sconce,
form a large tract of country of an entirely different geological age, and distinguished
by distinct and peculiar fossil remains. These beds have hitherto been mistaken, both
by British and foreign geologists, for Headon-hill beds, and in most instances for beds
at the bottom of the Headon-hill series. Above them, lies another, and equally dis-
tinct, formation, of which Hempstead Hill, and probably Parkhurst, are composed.
The fossils in this highest group are also distinct. These upper tertiaries form a series
of rolls, constituting the undulated country between the eastern and western extremi-
ties of the island. These rolls, dependant on lateral compression, are also to be seen,
as lately observed by Mr. Bristow and Mr. Aveline, during the course of their
researches, affecting the older marine tertiaries, and the chalk itself. Altogether, there
is a thickness of more than 500 feet of freshwater strata, above the Headon-hill series,
unrecorded in works on British geology.. Osborne House stands upon a formation
hitherto undefined, and not mentioned in geological manuals.

Professor Forbes proposes to divide these additional groups into three series :—1st,
The St. Helen’s and Nettlestone beds; 2ndly, the Bembridge beds; and 3rdly, the
Hempstead-cliff beds. Full accounts of them will be published by the Geological
Survey of Great Britain, under the direction of Sir Henry de la Beche, who has, dur-
ing the last two years, been actively engaged in personally exploring and superintend-
ing researches in the Isle of Wight, and at whose suggestion the inquiries were made
which led to the discoveries now announced. An animated discussion ensued upon
the subject of Professor Forbes’ communication. For this most interesting account,
as well as for his courtesy, in having made this Society (established especially for sci-
entific researches) the medium through which first to make a great fact public,—a
fact so peculiarly interesting to the island,—an unanimous and hearty expression of
thanks was passed to the discoverer of these new geological series.

The Society then adjourned until Monday, January 3, on which evening it was
announced that Dr. Drew would favour the Society with a paper on the causes which
led to the discovery of the new planets.

Kirby Society. 3799

We are enabled to announce that Professor Forbes will, as soon as time allows,
enrich the Society’s museum by as complete a series as possible of fossils found in the
_ new beds.

Proposition for the formation of a Kirby Society.

Stricklands, Stowmarket,
November 12, 1852.
Sir,

The notice in your November number (Zool. 3661) of a suggestion made
by me to the Entomological Society, in reference to the publication of monographs of
British insects, with coloured illustrations of each species, does not convey my mean-
ing so clearly as I wished it to be understood.

My proposition was, to establish a Society, to be called the “ Kirby Society,” which
should follow in the useful steps of the Paleontographical Society. The subscription
should be One Guinea a-year; and according to the number of subscribers there should
be a yearly issue of ‘ Coloured Illustrations of British Insects and their Transforma-
tions.’ I would not interfere in the least with any other Society.

When the Diptera, for instance, were to be illustrated, the cost of description would
be saved, as that part has already been done, and well done, by Mr. Walker: and so
of any other branch in which really good descriptions are already to be found. Such
a work as this would greatly extend a knowledge of British Entomology, as it would
be supported by many who were not entomologists. I hope you will consent to re-
ceive the names of those who wish to subscribe; if not, please to insert this, and say

that I will.
Yours very truly,

C. R. Bree.
To the Editor of the ‘ Zoologist.’

P.S.—I take the liberty of adding a few words more to my remarks upon the for-
mation of a “ Kirby Society.” It has been suggested to me that it would be advisable
by such a Society to illustrate the ‘ Insecta Britannica’ now in course of publication.
I think the suggestion a good one; and if Mr. Stainton’s volume of Micro-Lepido-
ptera were illustrated in the same beautiful style as Mr. Douglas's papers on the Gra-
cillarie and Coleophore in the ‘ Transactions of the Entomological Society’ of the
past year by Mr. Wing, I have no hesitation in saying that a great advance would be
made in this hitherto neglected branch of Lepidopterology. They say it would be
incomplete, because very few of the larve are known; but this arises principally from
there being comparatively so very little known of the perfect insects. How much time
is now wasted in working out the designation of species from the many wretchedly im-
perfect works for which we have been called upon to pay so largely! The credit of
the science is affected, and nothing can set it right but a noble effort to have perfect
portraits of our British insects and their transformations. A vast number of British
entomologists have no time for studying exotic Entomology, or working up species
from Panzer or Reeslerstamm ; they wish to have works that they can understand,
and illustrations that are faithful portraits of what they profess to represent.

A double advantage would thus be gained. Not only would much and often valu-
able time be saved to the real student, so as to enable him to perfect his collections

3800 Birds.— Insects.

and extend his inquiries to other branches of science, but many would be attracted to
the study who now, for the reasons I have hinted at, shrink from a task surrounded by
almost insurmountable difficulties —C. R. B.; January 12, 1853.

[I shall be most happy not only to receive the names of subscribers to such a So-
ciety, but to subscribe to it myself, and do all in my power to promote so laudable an
object: at the same time I must be excused from expressing any opinion in favour of
its practicability.—E'. Newman. |

Note on a Variety of the Green Woodpecker.—An old male green woodpecker was
shot during the last week in December, 1852, at Hedenham, in this county, by a gen-
tleman, who very kindly presented it to me, which exhibits some remarkable varia-
tions from the usual colouring of this species, especially on the rump, the feathers of
which (including the upper tail-coverts) are, in this specimen, all margined and tipped
with a beautiful flame-coloured red, instead of with the usual edging of yellow. The
feathers at the lower part of the back of the neck are also similarly tipped with red ;
while those on the back are pointed with the beautiful golden-yellow edgings which
usually characterize the feathers of the rump ; and a similar yellow pointing is to be
observed on the ends of the feathers forming the three lower rows of the wing-coverts.
The other parts of the plumage do not differ from ordinary specimens.—J. H. Gur-
ney ; Easton, Norfolk, January 24, 1853.

Diseases produced by Coccide on the Olive, §c.— M. Robineau Desvoidy lately
proceeded to the South of France, with the view of ascertaining the cause of a malady
which had long been prevalent on the above trees in that part of the country, and which
it was supposed had made its appearance in the central and northern departments.
This disease, called morfée by the Italians, and fumagine in the North of France, con-
sists in a thick black crust, which covers the trunks, branches, &c. of the trees, some-
times over a considerable extent of country. - The trees become arrested in their growth,
languid, and barren. According to historical accounts, this disease has not appeared
more than a century. It is said to have first occurred near Rome, and to have spread
thence through the whole of Italy, and into France. Every year it makes fresh pro-
gress, and no means of arresting it have yet been found. The Italians are not agreed
as to to whether this disease be a special malady, or merely the result of the attacks of
Coccidez. The author supports the latter opinion, stating that the disease never oc-
curs except upon trees attacked by those insects. Of these, he says that the Coccus
adonidum, a native of Senegal, attacks especially the citron and lemon trees ; the Coc-
cus hesperidum, a native of America and Africa, prefers the orange, rose-bay, and.
peach trees; the Coccus aonidum, a native of the Indian Archipelago, attacks the
Lauraceous trees; the Coccus Olee commits the greatest ravages upon the olive-trees,
but also attacks the oranges and a number of other trees ; this is the most destructive
of all. Rich, moist, well cultivated localities are most favourable to the development
of these insects, and it is in such localities that they commit the greatest ravages.—
From the ‘ Comptes Rendus, August 2, 1852, p. 183.

[The crust should be melted, and would probably produce wax: the crust depo- °
sited by a Chinese Coccus in a similar manner on trees, produces wax of excellent
quality.—E. N.]

Natural-History Collectors. 3801

- Proceedings of Natural-History Collectors in Foreign Countries.

Mr. H. W. Bartzs.* -—— “ Aveyros, Rio Tapajos, August 1, 1852. —
Although there is no conveyance from here safe enough to forward
my collection, I profit by the opportunity of a small boat going to
Santarem to write you an account of my proceedings, especially as I
am in a rather out-of-the-way country now, and do not know when I
shall have another opportunity to send a letter. I left Santarem, as
in mine of the 6th of June I informed you I should, on the 8th of that
- month, and after a few hours’ sail with a brisk wind, began to form
something like a correct idea of this river. It is the most extensive
and magnificent stretch of water I have seen in the whole river sys-
tem of the Amazons. Like most of the other affluents, the Tapajos
forms a delta of islands, alluvial and marsh lands, on its junction with
the main river, by which the main channel flowing by Santarem is
much contracted. I suppose there it is not more than 1 or 2 miles
wide, but passing upwards, it expands into a breadth of from 8 to 10
miles, perhaps more, and continues thus for nearly a hundred miles,
clear of islands; in fact, to a little below Aveyros. Both shores are
marked by a line of hills, some isolated, others in long ridges, some
conical, others truncated. This high country, generally covered with
a uniform sombre forest, forms a picture very different from that of the
alluvial flats and vivid green foliage of the banks of the Amazons.
The winds here are strong and irregular, and the swell at times fear-
ful. Sometimes a narrow margin of alluvial land skirts the banks,
with beaches of white sand, forming lovely bays and harbours ; but a
great part consists of rock-bound coasts and precipices, at the foot of
which the swell breaks with threatening roar. In fact, the voyage,
instead of being a quiet slow excursion, like those we generally have
on the Amazons, turned out a serious affair, full of peril and anxiety.
I started in rather a critical season ; the month of June being a tran-
sition season between the wet and the dry periods, the waters had not
yet sunk many inches, and squalls, with thunder and lightning, oc-
curred daily ; at times, violent gusts came suddenly from the hills
before sudden showers. In arranging my voyage, I found the usual
difficulty in finding men. Indians only understand the management
of canoes; and these are so few in number in comparison to the de-
mand for them, that they are not to be found. The authorities only

* Communicated by Mr. S. Stevens.
XI. M

3802 Natural-History Collectors.

can assist a stranger, but these parties in Santarem are not at all obli-
ging, and I was compelled to hire two mulattoes,—one, a coarse spe-
cimen from the South of Brazil, the other, a harmless young fellow of
very little use to me. The bigger one proved a great annoyance. I
soon found that he understood less of navigation than myself; but he
was insolent, and would have his.own way. Our first day’s voyage
was very inauspicious. We weighed anchor at Santarem at 8, A.M.,
after a good deal of trouble with the police-officers, who would not
let this same fellow go until I had paid his debts. At about 2, P.M.,
the wind freshened, and the cable by which our small boat was secur-
ed, broke ; the boat of course fell astern, and we put in-shore towards
a small bay, between two cliffs, in order to cast anchor and wait until
the boat came up with the wind. Into this bay rolled a tremendous
swell, our vessel dragged its anchor, and we went ashore. It was a
critical situation, but we kept the boat from bumping much by the aid
of poles. The vessel is a stout-built one, and we were able to move
out of the harbour about two hours afterwards, by the aid of our jib-
sail, rounding a jutting ledge of rocks, with the wind nearly a-head.
This was only one of the dilemmas we got into through bad seaman-
ship ; and on reaching Aveyros, where I had previously arranged to
stop, I of course dismissed the men, and resolved not to move a step
further without two or three good Indians.

“ After our troubles on the first day’s voyage, I stopped at a little
village called Altar do Chaé, about 20 miles above Santarem, to pre-
pare for a better start. Here we mended the sails, fixed new cords
and ropes, arranged the cargo more conveniently, &c. ‘There was ex-
cellent collecting-ground, and I stayed till the 17th. Although so
near Santarem, the Entomology of this station was totally different,
from the different nature of the forest and other local circumstances.
The place is wonderfully picturesque ; a small bay with white sandy
shores, isolated hills about 800 feet high, of a truncated pyramidal
shape, a winding creek running inland, a sloping grassy plain, upon
which are placed the 80 or 100 palm-thatched huts forming the vil-
lage, and.a lofty varied forest, overrunning equally undulating plains
and swelling hills in the back-ground. The Callithee, and the pecu-
liar Erycinide of Santarem were absent ; but there appeared a very
great abundance and diversity of Erycinide of other groups, espe-
cially Mesosemiz, Calospilus and Nymphidium, and of Satyri. I
added some three or four new species to my list, besides half-a-dozen
new Longicornes, and many new species of other groups of Coleo-

Natural-History Collectors. 3803

ptera, especially of the genus Canthon, of which the prevailing species
were quite new to me.

“T reached this town, Aveyros, on the 23rd of June, and have re-
mained here busily occupied to the present time. It consists of only
fourteen houses, but is the residence of the commandant of the dis-
trict, whom I previously knew. The river here is strewn with islands,
which divide its breadth into several channels; this breaks the force
of the swell and the winds, and renders travelling about in small boats
pleasant. The town is situated on a tract of low land, and the forest
offers nothing peculiar in the prevailing trees &c. from other districts.
From this cause, the great majority of the diurnal Lepidoptera are the
same as those I have met with in other places: but the diversity of
species, and profusion of insects generally, is greater than I have ob-
served elsewhere. Some of the species are old Para friends, such as
Papilio Vertumnus and Sesostris, Epicalia ancea, Nymphalis Sthene-
les, two species of Heterochroa, one of Paphia, four of Ithomia, Lep-
talis locula, and a great number of the rarer Para Erycinide. Others
are the same as the Tocantins species, particularly the beautiful sharp-
winged Papilio I had not yet met with except on the Tocantins. Ma-
ny are the same as those of Obydos, particularly the Eurygone and
Heliconia Melpomene. ‘Two only are Ega species, — one, the Calli-
thea Batesii (of which I have secured only one, a female, very perfect),
and one of the rarest of the Ega Cybdeles. I have enumerated nearly
300 distinct species of diurnal Lepidoptera seen here, including of
course those numerous species common everywhere. The new spe-
cies are in Leptalis, Heliconia, Eresia, Heterochroa, &c., and in
Kurygona, Calospilus, and other groups of Erycinide. In all the
other orders the diversity is equally great, and the number of species
new to me far greater than in butterflies.

“As to the blue and orange Megastomas, I never saw them in co-
pula nor in amoribus. All I can say is, that they are in equal abun-
dance in the same places, flying with vast rapidity, and settling upon
old logs, edges of canoes, &c., by the water-side. J think they are
male and female, especially as the blue appeared about fifteen days
before the red; and I would recommend Mr. Westwood to look again
and see if he cannot detect a few pairs of minute spines at the apical
joints of the fore-tarsi in the red and not in the blue. I have no spe-
cimens here, and cannot therefore decide the question. The differ-
ence in the fore-legs of the sexes in Nymphalide I found out myself,
several months ago, and have a long series of sketches made; it exists

3804 ~ Quadrupeds.

throughout the Heliconie and Satyri, of course the Erycine, and I
think the Polyommati, from one species I have examined here.

-- “The large Morpho allied to Hecuba is found in most places, but
everywhere excessively rare. It only appears in certain states of the
weather, — gleamy weather in January, February, June and July, —
and then only in places in the forest where trees have fallen, and rarely
descends from its usual height of 15 to 20 feet. Here I have watched
it till tired; a long pole won’t do, you cannot strike with sufficient
force and precision. Perhaps there are more than one species;—l
have seen it at Para, Satarem, Obydos, Ega, &c.

» “T have been very busy here, as I collect everything that does
not interfere with insect collecting. The commandant here has
procured for me two good Indians, who are now making a palm thatch
to’ my canoe, and in two days I am off to the river Cuparé, a branch
river, which I hear is very rich; two dead shells of the Anastoma
have been brought me from there. The country is everywhere hilly,
but the elevation not more than 800 or 1000 feet. The season is ap-
proaching, too, of abundance in turtle, fish, &c., and I hope to meet
with the Cybdeles, Callianirz, Timetes, Papilios, Diorhine and Mega-
stomas of the Ega district on margins of rivers, as now is the season.
Here [ have found only one Cybdelis, one common Timetis, the com-
mon brown Charaxes? and Papilio Protesilaus, amongst the cloud of

yellows on the river margin.
“H. W. Bates.”

Occurrence of the Reddish-gray Bat (Vespertilio Nattereri) in Suffolk.—As the
Editor of the ‘ Zoologist’ some time ago requested from his correspondents commu-
nications respecting the bats of this country—a request, by the way, which has not been
productive of any great visible effect, since for the last two years they seem to have
totally ignored the existence of such animals,—I make no apology for saying that an
adult male specimen of the reddish-gray bat (Vespertilio Nattereri) was obtained by
one of my brothers from a hole in a wall here, on the 5th of July last. I had never
to my knowledge seen this species here previously, nor am I aware that its occurrence
in Suffolk has hitherto been recorded, although it might have been almost safely pre-
sumed, from the circumstance of its having been met with in all the other eastern
counties, in which alone, singularly enough, it seems to have appeared.— Alfred New-
ton; Elveden Hall, Thetford, February 15, 1853.

dDivdg. 3805

Captures of various Birds in Oxfordshire—An immature specimen of the gray
phalarope was killed on Port Meadow, close to Oxford, early in last September, and
another in fine adult winter plumage in the latter part of December, 1852. A speci-
men of ‘Temminck’s stint was killed on Port Meadow in September, 1852.. Whilst
snipe-shooting near Abingdon in November, we flushed a specimen of the spotted
crake (Crea Porzana), which my companion shot, and gave to me. Another specimen
of this bird was killed a few days afterwards by a friend of mine, not far from the
place where we found the first. I have seen two or three peregrine falcons in the
neighbourhood of Oxford lately. I shot a specimen of the green sandpiper (by no
means a common bird about here) in Port Meadow, on Wednesday last, the 2nd of
this month.—T. L. Powys ; Christ Church, Oxford, February 4, 1853.

“On the present season in relation to the Migration of Birds, and other Natural
Phenomena.”*—Dr. Forster commences a letter to the Linnean Society, bearing the
above title, by referring to a passage in White’s ‘ Natural History of Selborne, where
it is remarked that the swallow-tribe, and particularly the martins, must suffer great
devastation in the course of their winter migrations, inasmuch as, in certain seasons
“the numbers of single birds which return in the spring bear no manner of proportion
to those who retire in autumn.” Dr. Forster's Journal, now of forty years’ standing,
shows that this disproportion is greatest in late springs, particularly when accompa-
nied with much wet and windy weather. The present season has been especially re-
markable. After a winter, the mildest ever remembered in Belgium, the spring was
cold and showery, and nearly all the periodical phenomena were later than usual;
while many tribes of plants suffered severely from some obscure atmospherical influ-
ence, apparently referable to the same class of causes which produce epidemics in the
human subject and epizooties among animals. The Hyacinthus plumosus died off in
most gardens, and also the Muscari racemosus. As soon as the flowers showed them-
selves the stock began to wither and in a few days died away, whole beds going off in
the same way. Great numbers of tulips perished in the ground; the leafing of trees
was very late; and the mulberry had not at the date of the letter shown any signs of
budding. The swallow (Hirundo rustica) arrived on the 18th of April, and had be-
come pretty numerous. The swift (Hirundo Apus) came on the 7th of May, in less
numbers than usual. Dr. Forster had not yet (on the 21st of May) seen the sand-
martin (Hirundo riparia), which is usually found in April ; and even of the martin
(Hirundo urbica), usually plentiful at Bruges in the first week of May, the most care-
ful search had not enabled him to detect a single bird. The nightingale and black-
cap came to their time, but the gray wag-tail was not seen until the day of the date of
the letter. The remarkable scarcity of flying insects, the usual food of the swallows,
caused them to seek for other species, and a naturalist of the neighbourhood had as-
sured Dr. Forster that he saw them hunting for their prey on walls and trunks of trees,
like the creeper, a fact which Dr. Forster considers as tending to support his opinion
of the reasoning powers of animals. Up to this time the cockchafer (Melolontha
vulgaris), although usually abundant, had not made its appearance ; nor had another
constant inhabitant of the gardens, Buprestis nitens, yet been seen. The large black
cockroach had increased to an alarming extent in many of the old houses and on the

* In a Letter from Thomas Forster, Esq., M.B., F.L.S., dated from Bruges, May
2ist, 1851. : ) | ) .

3806 Birds.

premises of the bakers. Some foreign newspapers had erroneously spoken of the
weather as fine in Belgium, but there had been only three tolerably fine days since the
21st of March, and the average temperature since the 25th of that month had been
8° Fahr. below the mean.—From the Proceedings of the Linnean Society, May 21,
1851.

Swallows in November.—On the 10th of last November I saw about twenty house-
martins (Hirundo urbica) under the cliff above Kemptown, Brighton—the day warm
and wind S.E. They were sporting about as if it had been the middle of summer.
Vast numbers of flies are generated in the decaying sea-weed on the beach, which
would afford plenty of food. Previously to the departure of the great body of the
swallows, about the end of September or beginning of October, the roofs of the
houses in Arundel Terrace, the last houses east of Brighton, are covered with them,
but I have never met with any one (and I have asked many of the men on the Coast
Service), who has actually seen them take their departure. They are said never to
leave when the wind blows in the direction of their flight, but that they select a light
wind blowing against them, to avoid the ruffling of their feathers—R. Wakefield ;
11, Sussex Place, Regent’s Park, February 5, 1852.

Supposed occurrence of a specimen of the Severn Swallow (Hirundo bicolor, Vierll.),
at Derby, in 1850.—The notice of the supposed occurrence of the rufous swallow at
Penzance (Zool. 3753), reminds me that I ought not any longer to delay recording in
your pages, the supposed appearance of an individual of an American species of swal-
low at Derby, in 1850. I say supposed appearance, because, though I have not much
doubt that the bird was really shot at Derby, there is nevertheless quite a possibility
of mistake. Some months ago, my friend, Mr. John Evans of Darley Abbey, sent
for my inspectiun, and afterwards kindly. presented to me, the skin of a sort of swal-
low whose name he had not been able to ascertain, of which he gave me the foilowing
account :—One day that he called at the shop of Mr. Cooke, a bird-stuffer and museum-
keeper in Derby, in the summer of the year 1850, he was shown the skin of a bird
which had lately been shot at the Siddals (the name of some common land, I believe,
in the suburbs of Derby), with eleven sand-martins, with which this had been consi-
dered to make a twelfth ; in skinning them, Mr. Cooke had remarked that it was not
like the others, and he thought it a variety, but asked Mr. John Evans his opinion
about it. That gentleman did not know what it was, but he bought the skin for one
shilling, and has had it in his possession from that time till he gave it to me some
months ago, as I mentioned before. Mr. Cooke is since dead. The circumstance of
his having skinned the birds himself, makes it appear improbable that he should have
made a mistake, and Mr. John Evans assures me that he does not think there were
any foreign skins about. I should add, that I believe there is no possibility of error
since the skin came into Mr. John Evans’ possession. The bird now before me is very
like the house-martin, and not much like the sand-martins in whose company it was
said to have been fuund. When compared with the former bird, the only difference
seen at first is the continuous dark colour of the back, instead of there being white
over the tail. On a further examination, the legs are found to be quite naked below
the knees, instead of downy, as in our martin. These characters are I believe sufficient
to refer it to the well-known American species called Hirundo (or Chelidon) bicolor,
and I find wy skin to agree with the several specimens of it in the British Museum.
It is useless to give a particular description unless in comparison with a skin of the
house-martin, one of which I do not happen to have at hand. It is enough to say

Birds. 3807

that the whole of the upper surface has a deep metallic green gloss, approaching to
purple in some lights, except the tail and the flight feathers, which are dull black;
the whole under surface is white except the tail and wings, which are of an ordinary
neutral tint, whilst on this aspect the greater part of the shafts of the primaries is
white. The occurrence of a specimen of a second species of American swallow in
England is no more than any one, who had satisfied himself of the reality of the for-
mer event (the occurrence of the purple martin), would be prepared to expect. No
kinds of land bird once driven out to sea seem better qualified for arriving safe at this
side the Atlantic than the swallows; but it is a question whether even these could ac-
complish it without the assistance of ships, of which land birds at sea are so often
seen by sailors to make use. Also they probably require strong and long continued
west winds to lessen the duration of their exertion and their fast; and still it appears
likely that they have a chance of surviving only when their misfortune happens at the
time of their migrations, when doubtless nature has prepared them for extraordinaty
endurance of hunger and fatigue. And after all, what a very few are lucky or un-
lucky enough to reach our inhospitable shores!—John Wolley ; 11, Park Place Ter-
race, February 5, 1853.

Note on the abundance of Woodcocks in particular Localities.—In reference to Mr.
Newton’s communication about the partiality of the unusual numbers of woodcocks
observed this season (Zool. 3754), I may observe that in this neighbourhood they were
never known to be so plentiful, and a friend who has just been in Wales, informs me
they have appeared there in extraordinary numbers.—C. R. Bree ; Stowmarket, Fe-
bruary, 1853.

Occurrence of the Green Sandpiper (Totanus ochropus) near Lynn.—An individual
of this species was shot here a day or two since. Although this bird is pretty frequent
in some parts of Norfolk, its appearance in this neighbourhood is rare.—#. L. King ;
Lynn, January 12, 1853. |

Occurrence of the Ivory Gull, &c. at Torquay.—The gull was shot on the 18th; it
was first seen in and about our pier, evidently very much distressed, as it kept settling
on the pier walls and on the vessels; it was stoned from this by the boys and followed to
Livermead, about half a mile from here, and shot whilst sitting on one of the cliffs:
The markings of the bird correspond exactly with those mentioned by Captain Sa-
bine in Yarrell’s second edition. The black redstart has been so frequently mentioned
by myself and others that it can hardly be set down as a rare bird ; I have six speci-
mens by me at this moment, five of which were shot this winter, and others seen.
These birds visit our sgeres between the months of September and February, and I
have not the slightest doubt their migratory flight is to no great distance. Perhaps
on our moors their times of coming and going correspond with those of the gray
wagtail; the latter bird is to be found singly, or not more than a pair together, all
through the winter, around our shores, and leaves us at the end of February, if a mild
season, for their summer haunts. I have found them during the summer months in
the neighbourhood of Chudleigh, &c., a distance of twelve or thirteen miles from
here. A flight of bramblings made their appearance here during this week, a rare oc-
currence in this locality. I had eight specimens brought me for preserving. I knew
of one pair only being shot a few winters back when snow was on the ground, similar
to this season. —E. Burt; Torquay, February 14, 1853.

3808 Fishes.— Reptiles.

Note on the conveyance of Fish-spawn to New Zealand.—You are aware that I
have been successful the last four or five years in the artificial breeding of trout in the
river Wandle. About two years ago,a gentleman applied to me for some spawn to
take with him to New Zealand, for the purpose of stocking the rivers there. I am
glad to say that the experiment has succeeded, and that he has applied to Government
for the reward offered for the introduction of fish into that country. I believe the
spawn was taken out in tanks with Valisneria, according to Mr. Warington’s system.
—S. Gurney, jun. ; Carshalton, February 10, 1853.

Occurrence of Toads in Stone.—One may well feel surprise to find another of these
marvellous relations in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist’ (3632), especially as it is one that
supplies not a fraction of additional proof of the fact, or of the possibility of such oc-
currences against the well known laws of Nature. I generally find these second-hand
relations all of a kind, and taking place under a pretty similar routine of circumstan-
ces. There is the same “simple tale” from the guileless miners, who show the broken
stone with the hole in the centre, and talk about the toad or frog, with its lively sense
of self-preservation as soon as it is liberated, so lively, in fact, that he always escapes,
or is unfortunately smashed; then, they never think of preserving it; and so runs their
“ simple tale.” Now, I am a total unbeliever in these “ simple tales,” for in my geolo-
gical rambles I have never lost an opportunity of searching for cases amongst the very
men who pretend to have witnessed them, and the result of my several examinations
has been, in many cases, I am sorry to say, to find an amount of downright imposition
among the miners, or a mere repetition of hearsay accounts of how Mikey, who has
always left for some distant quarry, once was breaking a stone, and found a toad; and
then follow the usual particulars. I can relate one of my experiences, which the read-
ers of the ‘ Zoologist ’ may perhaps consider sufficient to establish my disbelief in the
tales of “ toads in blocks of stone,” quite independently of any scientific consideration
on the subject. A few years ago I was geologizing in the neighbourhood of Chester-
field, and came upon a quarryman, who related to me, while we drank a bottle of por-
ter, that toads were plentiful in the stone thereabout. THe said he had often found
them, and that he knew a stone before it was broken that would contain a toad; giv-
ing me long and circumstantial accounts of the whole phenomenon: and to convince
me of the truth of his statement, he took me to the quarry (a carboniferous sandstone)
that I might see the stones out of which he said the toads had been released. I exa-
mined the stones and the whole quarry very attentively, and listened to the emphatic
testimony of other miners present. After complying in an agreeable manner to their
remark that the day was warm, and the water of the quarry not much in favour, I
made a simple proposal of this nature: —I promised to pay to any one of them the
sum of twenty shillings for the next stone in which they found a frog or toad when the
stone was broken in two. They should catch the frog if he bolted out of the hole, re-
place him, and fit the stones together again, afterwards despatching it to me in that
condition. I further promised to pay the sum of forty shillings to any one of them who
should procure me a stone, unbroken, in which he considered a toad or frog was im-
prisoned, if, on breaking it myself, such turned out to be the case. These conditions
were to remain in force for twelve months ; and as the means of conveyance to my

Arachnida.—Insects. 3809

address, which I gave them, would occasion little or no trouble, the offer was readily
accepted by the miners; who also, to express their confidence in soon being able to
supply the order, proposed that it would be all safe if I advanced a little cash on ac-
count, which however I resolutely declined doing. And now, what will the credulous
believers in these “‘ toads in stone” who read the ‘ Zoologist’ say, when they learn that
I visited that quarry twice during the twelve months, in order to fetch the toads which
never came by rail? I always found the men there blasting tons of new rock, splitting
stones for every building purpose, yet dry-throated and sullen ; for, alas! most unac-
countably during that long twelve months they found plenty of holes—not toad-holes
—in the sandstone, but the reptiles had been banished as effectually as ever they were
from the Emerald Isle—John Plant; Salford Museum, October 21, 1852.

Skin of a Large Snake.—I beg to forward the dimensions of a snake’s skin which
I found this afternoon on the heath, in the position in which it was cast; it measured
4 feet 2 inches in length, and from the depth of the skin, the snake must have been
nearly 6 inches in circumference at the thickest part of the body, being by far the lar-
- gest I ever saw or heard of. — Octavius Pickard-Cambridge ; Bloxworth House, near
Blandford, Dorset, November 8, 1852. .

Note on the “ Singular Abstinence of a Spider.”—I have been much interested by
Mr. Pickard-Cambridge’s account of the spider which lived for eighteen months in
his bird-case, as it is assumed, without food. (Zool. 3766). It is, however, perfectly
certain from Mr. C.’s account, that the spider by some means got food, although how
it did so escaped his observation. Although some animals can exist for a very con-
siderable" time without food, it is equally certain that none can increase in size without
it. The growth of all living things is essentially due to a proper supply of aliment,
and no increase of matter can take place in any living thing unless the material is
supplied from without. Ez nihilo nihil fit is as true as the existence of matter itself.
An opposite view can only be supported upon the assumption of a special miracle,
or supernatural interference, by which matter is created ; but this assumption in a case
like the present is unphilosophical and cannot be supported. It is much easier to be-
lieve that other insects besides the spider were enclosed with the skin, upon which it
fed as long as they continued to exist, than to believe that a special creation of matter
took place in this individual case. The probability, however, was, that the skin was
soft when cased, and continued, when excluded from the air, to retain sufficient nutri-
ment to support the spider for most of the time mentioned. So long as this source of
food existed, the spider lived and throve, when it was withdrawn, it shrivelled away
and died.—C. R. Bree ; Stowmarket, February, 1843.

Inquiry respecting certain appendages to the Haustellum of Diurnal Lepidoptera.—
Under this head (Zool. 3775), Mr. A. R. Hogan records that he has more than once
observed “ certain little yellow excrescences on the haustella of Diurnal Lepidoptera,”
and asks for an explanation. In the second volume of the ‘ Transactions of the Entomo-
logical Society,’ I find recorded that at the meeting, August 7, 1847, Mr. Bainbridge

XI. N 7

3810 Insects.

exhibited “‘a specimen of Polia nebulosa, from the left eye of which a fungus-like
excrescence had been produced, of a slender filiform appearance at the base, but bifid
and clavate at the tip; it was about the length of the head. The moth had been taken
alive with this excrescence attached to it, by Mr. Shipman.” At the following meet-
ing Mr. Ingpen stated, that “this supposed fungus had been examined by Mr.
Sowerby, who ascertained it to be the anther of a species of Ophrys, which had become
accidentally attached to the eye.’ In the course of my collecting I have several
times seen similar attachments to the heads of Lepidoptera, and have considered them
to be, as in the above instance, parts of flowers to which the insects had been attracted,
and which had accidentally adhered to them. The examples mentioned by Mr.
Hogan I should think referrible to the same cause.—J. W. Douglas ; Lee, Kent, Fe-
bruary 7, 1853.

Duplicates of Lepidoptera.—I have duplicate specimens of Depressaria pallorella,
D. rotundella, D. Alstreemeriana, and D. Ulicitella, which I shall be happy to give to
any entomologist who may be in want of those spevies.— Thomas Boyd ; 17, Clapton
Square, December 13, 1852.

Myrmica domestica.—Mr. Daniell’s paper on the Myrmica domestica of Shuckard,
printed in your last number (Zool. 3769), from the Linnean ‘ Proceedings,’ I heard
read at that Society; but it did not then occur to me to ask if anybody had ever seen
the male and female of this ant with their wings; for of course, like the rest of their
congeners, they appear at pairing time with these aerial appendages. The lower part
of this house is much*infested by these little plagues, indeed to such an extent as to
make it almost impossible to keep preserves et id genus omne below. Their head
quarters are the neighbourhood of the kitchen fire and the oven, where a stream of
them may be observed at almost any time from January to December. I have watched
them closely, but have never been able to detect them in the winged state. When
the ants of the woods and gardens escape from their guards at pairing time, their de-
parture is accompanied with such a hubbub and confusion as to arrest the attention
of the most incurious; and from analogous reasoning, when the males and females
of the ant in question leave their nests, you would expect the house to be swarming
with them. Their nests are evidently in the foundation of the houses, which makes
it almost impossible to extirpate them. I have tried various methods, but all without
effect. Soft soap pressed into the crevices to which they may be traced appears to
be of some service, but it probably only dvives them to some other locality. It has
been thought that the Regent’s Park and its neighbourhood are the only places where
this ant is found, and that they were imported into this country with the timber con-
tained in the houses ; but years since (in 1846), I saw them in thousands in one of
the principal hotels at Winchester, the cups and saucers, and even the teapot came up
swarming with them. ‘T'wenty years ago a house in Upper Bedford Place, then occu-
pied by the late Dr. Bostock, was scarcely habitable in consequence of the myriads of
these diminutive plagues. The Doctor took infinite pains to remedy the evil, and
literally had cart-loads of earth removed from below the kitchen and cellars but with-
out much abating the nuisance; and the ants, like Virgil’s harpies —

“ Diripiuntque dapes, contactuque omnia foedant
Immundo.”

You, or some of your correspondents may have seen these ants in their winged

Radiata. 3811

stage; and others, as well as myself, would doubtless be pleased for any further history
of them. When were they first observed in this country P—R. Wakefield; 11, Sussex
Place, Regent’s Park, February 5, 1852.

Occurrence of the Larva of Diglossa mersa at Baldoyle, Ireland.—The discovery of
the larva of so singular and local an insect as Diglossa mersa, will probably be inte-
resting to some of the readers of the ‘ Zoologist,’ and I therefore wish to make known
the following facts. On the 10th of August last, having proceeded to Baldoyle in
search of the perfect insect, which had been very abundant there a few weeks before,
I was surprised to find that it had almost entirely disappeared ; but in its place, under
the stones half imbedded in the sand, were numerous larve moving about in exactly
the same peculiar way as the beetles themselves do when disturbed. With the ex-
ception of a dorsal stripe of a dark colour, their bodies and legs were perfectly white,
and in size, they were at that time about the same as the imago. Mr. Haliday,
though he has never taken them himself, agrees with me in thinking that these insects
must be the true larve of Diglossa mersa.—Arthur R. Hogan ; Charlton, Dundrum,
near Dublin, February 12, 1853.

Catalogue of the Echinodermata of Orkney. By Wit1aM BaLFrour
BAIKIE, Esq., M.D.

My friend Mr. R. Heddle and myself, being prevented by nume-
rous pressing avocations, from continuing at present, in a separate
form, an account of the Natural History of Orkney, are neverthe-
less anxious to have one or two of our lists of species published, in
order to show what has been done hitherto in that locality, and
also to preserve our claim to priority of publication. I therefore beg
to forward our “Catalogue of Echinoderms,” for insertion in the pages
of the ‘ Zoologist.’

Order I.—PinnieRaDa.
Family 1.—Pentacrinitide.
Rosy Feather-star, Antedon decameros, (Comatula rosea). Tolera-
bly frequent.
Order I].—Sprnierapa.
Family 1.—Euryalide.
Zetland Argus, Astrophyton arborescens. Two or three specimens
in Orkney, less rare in Zetland.
Family 2.—Ophiuride.
Common Sand-star, Ophiolepis ciliata, (Ophiura texturata). Very

abundant.

~~

3812 Radiata.

Lesser Sand-star, O. albida, (Ophiura albida). Less abundant. .

Gray Brittle Star, O. elegans, (Ophiocoma neglecta). Tolerably
common.

Daisy Brittle Star, Ophiopholis aculeata, (Ophiocoma Bellis).
Abundant.

Goodsir’s Brittle Star, O. Goodsiri, (Ophiocoma Goodsiri). One
obtained in Zetland by Forbes and Goodsir, from deep water.

Granulated Brittle Star, Ophiocoma nigra, (O. granulata). Common.

Common Brittle Star, Ophiothrix fragilis, (Ophiocoma rosula).
Very common.

Order IJI. —Crrrwierapba.

Family 1.—Asteriide.

Common Cross-fish, Asterias rubens, (Uraster rubens). Very fre-
quent.

Violet Cross-fish, A. violaceus, (U. violaceus). Not frequent.

Spiny Cross-fish, A. glacialis, (U. glacialis). Rare; one dredged
by Mr. R. Heddle.

Family 2.—Astropectenide.

Butthorn, Astropecten irregularis, (Asterias aurantiaca). Occa-
sional.

Lingthorn, Luidia Savignit, (L. fragilissima). Not frequent.

Purple Sun-star, Solaster endeca. Not uncommon.

Common Sun-star, S. papposa. Common.

Kyed Cribella, Henricia oculata, (Cribella ocnlata). Very abun-.
dant.

Family 3.—Asterinide.

Bird’s-foot Sea-star, Palmipes membranaceus. One specimen,
dredged in Orkney, by Mr. J. Syme.

Templeton’s Cushion-star, Porania pulvillus, (Goniaster Temple-
toni). Obtained in Orkney by the Rev. J. H. Pollexfen ; rare.

Order IV.—CIRRHO-SPINIGRADA.

Family 1.—Cidaride.
Piper, Cidaris papillata. Only obtained hitherto in Zetland.

Radiata. 3813

Family 2.—Echinide.

Fleming’s Egg Urchin, Kchinus Flemingii. First discovered in
Zetland. One dredged in Orkney in 16 fathoms, by Mr. R. Heddle.

Common Egg Urchin, LE. esculentus, (EK. sphera). Abundant.

Purple-tipped Egg Urchin, E. miliaris. Rare.

Silky-spined Egg Urchin, Echinomeira Drébachensis, (Kchinus
neglectus). Found in Zetland by Forbes and Goodsir. One in Ork-
ney, found by Mr. R. Heddle.

Family 3. —Scutellide.

Cake Urchin, Echinorachinus placenta. One obtained near Fou-
lah, in Zetland, by Prof. Jameson.
Green Pea Urchin, Echinocyamus pusillus. 'Tolerably common.

Family 4.—Spatangide.

Purple Heart Urchin, Spatangus purpureus. Of doubtful oc-
currence.

Common Heart Urchin, Echinocardium cordatum, (Amphidotus
cordatus). Common. One, of very large size, found by Mr. R. Hed-
dle, in Ronsey.

Rosy Heart Urchin, E. ovatum, (A. roseus). Hitherto found only
in Zetland.

Fiddle Heart Urchin, Brisstopsis lyrifera, (Brissus lyrifer). Ob-
tained in Zetland by Prof. Melville.

Order V.—CIRRHO-VERMIGRADA.
Family 1.—Cuveriide.
Snail Sea-cucumber, Psolus phantapus. Pretty common.

Short Psolinus, Psolinus brevis. Discovered in Zetland by Forbes
and Goodsir.

Family 2.— Pentactide.

Great Sea-cucumber, Pentacta frondosa, (Cucumaria frondosa).
Common in Zetland.

Long Sea-cucumber, P. fusiformis, (C. fusiformis). Occurs in
Zetland.

Milk-white Sea-Girkin, P. Jactea, (Ocnus lacteus). Occurs in
Zetland.

Angular Sea-cucumber, P. pentactes, (Cucumaria pentactes). Rare
in Orkney.

3814 Obituary.

Glassy Sea-cucumber, Thyronidium pellucidum, (C. hyalina). Dis-
covered in Zetland by Prof. Fleming.
T. Drummondit, (C. communis). Pretty common.

Order VI.—VERMIGRADA.

Family 1.—Sipunculide.

Sipunculus Strombi, (S. Bernhardus). Occurs in 10—20 fathoms,
in shells of Turritella terebra &c.

Family 2.—Priapulide.

Tailed Priapulus, Priapulus caudatus. Discovered in Zetland by
Prof. Fleming.

The above list of forty species comprises all as yet recorded as be-
ing obtained in our locality, though doubtless active searching, and
more frequent dredging, would reveal many novelties, and enable us
to compile a more copious catalogue. This we trust to see accom-
plished ere long. The technical terms here employed are in accord-
ance with Dr. Gray’s ‘ British Museum Catalogue,’ the synonymes of
Forbes’s ‘ British Star-fishes’ being added for the sake of convenience.

Wm. Ba.rour BalkIE.

Haslar Hospital, Gosport,
January 18, 1853.

Notice of the Decease of the Rev. James Smith of Monquhitter—Many;of the
readers of the ‘ Zoologist’ will, doubtless, regret to hear of the death of the Rev.
James Smith, A.M., Minister of the parish of Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire. He died
at Banff, N.B., on the 29th of January, in the fifty-third year of his age. The re-
spected and greatly lamented deceased was born in the parish of Drumblade, and was
educated at King’s College, Aberdeen. He was Rector of the Banff Academy for
nearly twenty years, and was universally beloved and esteemed on account of his
genius and learning, his amiable dispositions, and active benevolence. A profound
scholar and theologian, he was at the same time an enthusiastic admirer of the beau-
ties of nature, and a zealous and successful student of many departments of natural
history. Ornithology was his favourite study, and he has contributed many valuable
papers on this subject. But such was his modesty and diffidence, that he has left ma-
nuscripts of great value and interest on literary and scientific subjects still unpublished.
Hir loss is irreparable, but it may be consolatory to his sorrowing friends to know that
they have the warmest sympathy of the Church of which he was a distinguished
ornament, as well as of some of the most eminent men of the present day, who ’ad-
mired and respected his great and varied talents and acquirements. Doubtless had

Birds.— Notices of New Books. 3815

his life been prolonged, he would have added much to our knowledge of the natural
history of the North of Scotland. The author of this short memoir enjoyed the
advantage of being a pupil of the deceased for many years, and is deeply sensible of
the benefits he received from him, and truly grateful for the kind interest he always
took in his welfare, and in that of every one who had been under his charge. “The
memory of the just is precious ; The just shall be had in everlasting remembrance,” —
John Rose, A.M., M.D., Sc.; Royal Hospital at Haslar, Gosport, February, 1853.

Occurrence of the Stone Plover near Penzance. —I1 have mentioned ona former
occasion that the occurrences of the Norfolk or stone plover in this district have al-
most always been confined to the winter season. In reference to this, I have now to
report that I saw a specimen yesterday which was killed in the parish of St. Levan,
near the Land’s End.— Edward Hearle Rudd ; Penzance, February 18, 1853.

- Oceurrence of the Apteryx at large in Wales. — A few days ago a friend from the
Isle of Anglesey was visiting me, and mentioned in the course of conversation that
some three or four years ago he shot in a marsh near our respective residences in
Anglesey, a singular bird of the species of which he was ignorant. On my expressing
a wish to see it, he kindly promised to send it to me; and on its arrival, I was quite
startled with its resemblance to the New Zealand Apteryx, which I had seen in the
Gardens of the Zoological Society. The body of the bird measured 18 inches, the
beak about 5, I saw an absence alike of wings and tail: the feathers of hard rough
texture, the colour being an uniform dark brown: the head round the base of the beak
and the eyes thinly covered with long bristly hairs. Nothing I had ever seen bore a
resemblance to the creature before me, except the Apteryx ; and I hastened to consult
an eminent ornithologist, to whom I sent a description of the bird, along with a fea-
ther. He assures me that it belongs to the genus Apteryx, but to which of the three
known species he cannot determine, without an examination of the bird. How this
¢reature could arrive at Anglesey seems a mystery, unless it had escaped from some
wrecked vessel. Perhaps some of your correspondents can suggest some solution of
this difficulty: all I can do is to assure them of the fact of this bird having been found
alive and shot in Anglesey, as I have related. — Josiah Spode ; Armitage, Rugeley,
Staffordshire, January 28, 1853.

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

* The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 61 and 62,
dated January and February, 1853.

No arrangement could be more apt, more agreeable to all concern-
ed, whether proprietors or subscribers, than the simultaneous publi-
cation on the lst of every month of such journals as the ‘ Annals of
Natural History,’ the ‘ Zoologist’ and the ‘ Phytologist :’ the ‘ An-
nals,’ for the reception of those technical and abstruse disquisitions

3816 Notices of New Books.

which constitute, as it were, the pabulum on which the inquiring phi-
losopher of after years is to feed; the others, for the registration of
facts of zmmediate as well as lasting interest, on which the science of
Natural History itself may be said to subsist. To take the ‘ Annals’
confers that scientific statws of which every aspirant for scientific re-
putation stands in need; to vead the others is equally necessary to
render him aw courant with the scientific intelligence of the day.
Now that anew year has commenced, we purpose enriching our pa-
ges with a list of the contents of the previous month’s ‘ Annals;’ the
enormously increased circulation of the ‘ Zoologist’ on the continent,
will render it the means of thus advertizing its friendly and highly
valued contemporary.

The January number contains the following papers : —

‘ Descriptions of some newly discovered species of Araneide.’ By
John Blackwall, F.L.S.

The new species are: — Thomisus versutus, Linyphia Meadii, L.
anthracina, L. pulla, L. alacris, L. ericeea, Neriéne agrestis, N. vigi-
lax, Walckenaéra exilis. Mr. Blackwall devotes about a page to the
description of each of these minims, a fact which in itself is a suffi-
cient proof of his elaborate painstaking. We have often had occasion
to regret the comparative isolation which has attended the labours of
this zealous naturalist ; arid it is with feelings of no ordinary plea-
sure that we find he is now assisted by so competent a coadjutor as
our valued correspondent, Mr. Meade.

‘Description of anew genus of Calanide.’ By John Lubbock, Esq.

The genus is named Labidocera, from the somewhat forcipated an-*
tennz: the species, L. Darwinii, was received from Mr. Darwin ; it
was taken in the Atlantic, off the coast of Patagonia, in latitude 389.

‘Characters of several Helices from West Australia and the Mauri-
tius ; with Notes on some species of Cyclostoma from Borneo.’ By
Ww. H. Benson, Esq.

The new species of Helix are H. plectilis, Tescorum, cygiteas sub-
testa, suffulta, and albidens.

‘A Revision of the Genera of some of the Families of Conchifera,
or Bivalve Shells. By J. E. Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S., V.P.Z.S., &c.

‘On the Janthine, Scalarie, Natice, Lamellarie, and Velutine.’
By William Clark, Esq.

Bibliographical Notice. Proceedings of Societies.

Note translated from M. Desvoidy, on the ‘Ravages of Coccus.’
— (See Zool. 3800).

Notices of New Books. 3817

- The February number contains the following papers : —
‘ Descriptions of species belonging to the genera Pterocyclos and

Cyclostoma from Ceylon and West Australia.’ By W. H. Benson,

~

Esq.

“On the Animal of Chamostrea albida.’ By Albany Hancock, Esq.

‘Supplement to a Catalogue of British Spiders, including Remarks
on their Structure, Functions, Giconomy and Systematic Arrange-
ment.’ By John Blackwall, F.L.S.

‘Observations on the Anatomy of Actinia. By T. Spencer Cob-
bold, M.D., Vice-President of the Physiological Society, Edinburgh.

‘On the Division of Ctenobranchous Gasteropodous Mollusca
into larger Groups and Families’ By J. E. Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S.,
V.P.Z.S., &c.

Bibliographical Notice. Proceedings of Learned Societies.

Note by M. Duméril on the ‘ Classification of Serpents,’ translated
from the ‘ Comptes Rendus.’

Note by M. Ulex on the ‘Influence of Coal-gas on Vegetation,’
translated from the ‘ Journal of Practical Chemistry.’

Note on the ‘ Habits of the Wigeon,’ by Matthew Mogeridge, Esq.
Mr. M. says that last summer he saw a pair of old wigeons with five
young ones swimming on the lower lake at Penllegare.

Note by M. Garreau on the ‘ Relation between the Oxygen con-
sumed by the Spadix of Arum Jtalicum and the heat produced by it,’
translated from the ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles.’

© Molluscorum Britannice Synopsis. A Synopsis of the Mollusca
of Great Britain, arranged according to their Natural Affint-
ties and Anatomical Structure. By Wiiitam Exvrorp LeEacu,
M.D., &c. London: Van Voorst. 1852.

Dr. LEacu was an intellectual giant in Zoology. There is scarcely
a branch of the science which he did not study, and certainly there is
none which he studied that his genius did not illuminate. The post-
humous publication of the volume before us is a just tribute to his
memory ; although there seems reason to regret its not having been
previously brought to light: however, we are too glad to welcome any-
thing from the pen of Dr. Leach, to quarrel with the time of its ap-
pearance, and what would once have been a valuable contribution to
science, is still an acceptable memorial of its author’s genius.

XT, O

3818 Notices of New Books.

‘ Shells and their Inhabitants. The Genera of Recent Mollusca
arranged according to their Organization. By HENRY AND
ArTHuR Apams. Part I. London: Van Voorst. 1853.

_ ANOTHER work on the same subject as the last, but having a wider
range. We like the manner in which the work is commenced, it gives
promise of great excellence: the general observations exhibit a cer-
tain amount of original observation, a feature which we think of no
mean importance in works on Natural History.

* Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. Vol. II.
| New Series. Part 3.

We fancy we can perceive syaetose of an improvement in these
“Transactions; which have too long been almost exclusively devoted
to mere technical descriptions.’ We have repeatedly endeavoured to
draw the attention of the entomologists of this country to the fact that
observations on the habits of insects are far more to be desired than
the most accurate descriptions or the most elaborate criticisms on
synonymy ; these latter being mainly useful in so far only as they
enable us to identify the species of which the habits have been ob-
served and recorded.

The part of the ‘Transactions’ now before us contains two Bee
having special reference to the habits of insects. A paper on the
Paussidz, by Mr. Westwood, contains an extremely interesting com-
munication from Mr. Bowring, of Hong Kong. Mr. F. Smith has a
paper “On the Development of Osmia parietina, and other British
Insects,” from which may be obtained several useful hints: the author
appears to have discovered the cause of those little cartridge-like rolls
on the leaves of young oak trees, which have frequently attracted our
attention in an autumnal ramble. Mr. Douglas has also an interest-
ing paper of “ Contributions to the Natural History of British Micro-
Lepidoptera.” . When the variety of habits of these.insects is consi-
dered, and the excellent notices of the natural history of a few of
them that appear in the ever delightful Memoirs of Reaumur and De
Geer, we are surprised that so few students have turned their atten-
tion to the wide field of investigation before them.

Mr. Douglas very wisely reminds our collectors that rare species
may be more easily obtained by finding the larve than by beating for

Notices of New Books. 3819

the perfect insect. He is aware that the love of the study of the ha-
bits of the Micro-Lepidoptera might induce but few persons to come
_ to his assistance in the somewhat Herculean task he has undertaken,
were they not stimulated to extra exertion by the desire of obtaining
a rarity.

Mr. Smith has long been known as a successful observer of the
habits of bees, and his valuable papers on those interesting insect ar-
chitects have a freshness about them peculiar to out-of-door natural-
ists. No amount of midnight in-door work will impart the peculiar
charm which all records of original observations possess. Witness
among others the papers by Mr. Douglas, intituled “ Entomological
Localities,” which have from time to time appeared in our pages, and
which have shown his accuracy as an observer, as well as evinced his
partiality for the wood, the heath, and the down. Judging from the
specimens of his papers on the Micro-Lepidoptera now before us, the
habits of the larvze of these insects appear capable of affording plenty
of interesting occupation for the entomologist; we however regret that
Mr. Douglas has said nothing of the habits of the perfect insects, as
we imagine they must be as interesting as those of the larve.

We must not omit to notice the two plates by Mr. Wing (the new
Secretary of the Society) which illustrate Mr. Douglas’s papers, since
they deserve especial mention for the care with which they have been
executed ; indeed, they reflect the highest credit on the skill of the
artist, the magnified figures of the larve really looking as though they
were alive and crawling about. We presume the apalpous appearance
of fig. 1 c, in Plate XI., is correct; it strikes us however as extremely
curious.

We heartily commend the zeal with which Mr. Douglas has en-
tered on the wide field of observation that lies before him. The larve
of many genera of Micro-Lepidoptera would appear to be altogether
unknown ; for example, Micropteryx, Nematopogon, Nemotois, Aich-
mia, Zelleria, Opostega, and others; we trust however that they will
not long remain shrouded in their present obscurity.

Nor do we see why other orders of insects should not be treated in
a similar manner; and trust ere long to have occasion to call the at-
tention of our readers to the further results of researches similar to
those of Mr. Douglas, records of which we may hope to see in future
parts of the Society’s ‘ Transactions.’

3820 Entomological Society.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

February 7, 1853.—Epwarp Nrewmay, Esq., President, in the chair.

The President returned thanks for his election, and nominated as Vice-Presidents,
W. W. Saunders, Esq., W. Spence, Esq., and J. O. Westwood, Esy.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors :—The ‘ Zoologist’ for February ; by the Editor. The ‘ Literary Gazette’ for
January; by the Editor. ‘ Journal of the Society of Arts, Nos. 1—10; by the So-
ciety. ‘Entomologische Zeitung’ for December, 1852; ‘Linnea Entomologica,
7 Band: Berlin, 1852; ‘Catalogus Coleopterorum Europe, herausgegeben vom
Entomologischen Verein in Stettin:’ Vierte Auflage, Berlin, 1852; all by the Ento-
mological Society of Stettin. ‘Bericht uber die wissenchaftlichen Liestungen im
Gebiete der Entomologie wahrend des Jahres, 1850,’ von Dr. Herm. Schaum, Berlin,
1852; by the Author. ‘ Description of a New Genus of Calanide, by John Lubbock,
Esq.; by the Author. ‘Memorias de la Academia Real de Ciencias de Madrid,’
Tomo 1, parti 2: Madrid, 1851; ‘ Resumen de las Actas, 1850—51: Madrid, 1851 ;
by the Academy. ‘Journalof the Royal Agricultural Society of England,’ Vol. XIII.
part 2; by the Society. ‘Reports of the Juries of the Exhibition of 1851 ;’ by the
Commissioners of the Exhibition. A specimen of Glossina morsitans; by Mr.
Spence. A specimen of the insect-wax of China; by Mr. D. Hanbury. Specimens
of Asemum striatum (3), Pissodes Pini (4), Tinea ochraceella, Tengstrom (3), Ela-
chista locupletella (2) ; by Mr. Jobn Scott, Renfrew.

The following gentlemen were balloted for and elected: John Garland, Esq.,
Dorchester, a Member, and F. T. Hudson, Esq., Greenwich, a Subscriber to the So-
ciety.

Mr. D. Hanbury brought for exhibition, specimens of the white insect-wax of
China in its crude state, obtained by the persevering endeavours of his friend, William
Lockhart, Esq., of Shanghae. The correct Chinese name for this production is
Chung-pih-la—literally, insect-white-wax.. He read the following particulars respect-
ing it, and the insect by which it is produced, from a paper by Dr. Macgowan in the
‘Journal of the Horticultural and Agricultural Society of India, 1850.

“The animal feeds on an evergreen shrub or tree, Ligustrum lucidum, which is
found throughout Central China, from the Pacific to Thibet, but the insect chiefly
abounds in the province of Sychuen. Much attention is paid to the cultivation of
this tree: extensive districts of country are covered with it, and it forms an important
branch of agricultural industry. The ground is ploughed semi-annually, and kept
perfectly free from weeds. In the third or fourth year they are stocked with the in-
sect, which is effected in spring, with the nests of the insect. These are about the
size of a ‘ fowl’s head ;’ and are removed by cutting off a portion of the branch to
which they are attached, leaving an inch each side of the nest. The sticks with the
adhering nests are soaked in unhusked-rice-water for a quarter of an hour, when they
may be separated. When the weather is damp or cool, they may be preserved in
jars for a week, but if warm, they are to be tied to the branches of the trees to be
stocked without delay, being first folded between leaves. By some the nests are
probed out of their seat in the bark of the tree, without removing the branches.

Entomological Society. 3821

At this period they are particularly exposed to the attacks of birds, and require
watching. .

“In a few days after being tied to the tree, the nests swell, and innumerable
white insects, the size of ‘nits,’ emerge, and spread themselves on the branches of
the tree, but soon, with one accord, descend towards the ground, where, if they find
any. grass, they take up their quarters. To prevent this, the ground beneath is kept
quite bare, care being taken also that their implacable enemies, the ants, have no
access to the tree. Finding no congenial resting place below, they reascend and fix
themselves to the lower surface of the leaves, where they remain several days, when
they repair to the branches, perforating the bark to feed on the fluid within.

“From ‘nits’ they attain the size of Pediculus homi. Having compared it to
this, the most familiar to them of all insects, the Chinese authors, from whose writings
most of these particulars have been derived, deem all further description superfluous.
Early in June, the insects give to the trees the appearance of being covered with hoar
frost, being ‘changed into wax:’ soon after this they are scraped off, being previ-
ously sprinkled with water. If the gathering be deferred till August, they adhere too
firmly to be easily removed. Those which are suffered to remain to stock trees the
ensuing season, secrete a purplish envelope about the end of August, which at first
is no larger than a grain of rice, but as incubation proceeds, it expands, and becomes
as large as a-fowl’s head, which is in the spring, when the nests are transferred to
other trees, as already described.

“On being scraped from the trees the crude material is freed from its impurities,
probably the skeleton of the insect, by spreading it on a strainer covering a cylindri-
cal vessel, which is placed in a cauldron of boiling water; the wax is received into
the former vessel, and on congealing is ready for the market.

“This white wax, in its chemical properties, is analogous to purified bees’-wax,
and also spermaceti, but differing from both; being, in my opinion, an article per-
fectly suit generis. It is perfectly white, translucent, shining, not unctuous to the
touch, inodorous, insipid, crumbles into a dry, inadhesive powder between the teeth,
with a fibrous texture, resembling fibrous felspar ; melts at 100° Fahr. (sic); insolu-
ble in water, dissolves in essential oil, and is scarcely affected by boiling alcohol,

the acids or alkalies.
“The aid of analytical chemistry is needed for the proper elucidation of this most
beautiful material.* It has been supposed to be identical with the white wax of
Madras, but as the Indian article has been found useless in the manufacture of can-
dles, it cannot be the same as the Chinese, whichis used for this purpose. It far
excels also the vegetable wax of the United States (Myrica cerifera).

“Ts this substance a secretion? There are Chinese who regard it as such ; some
representing it to be the saliva, and others the excrement of the insect. European
writers take nearly the same view; but the best authorities expressly say that this
opinion is incorrect, and that the animal is changed into wax. I am inclined to be-
lieve that the insect undergoes what may be styled a ceraceous degeneration, its whole
body being permeated by the peculiar product, in the same manner as the Coccus
Cacti is by carmine.

* “Ina memoir in the ‘ Philosophical Transactions’ for 1848, Mr. B. C. Brodie
states, that although in appearance this substance resembles stearine or spermaceti
more than bees’-wax, it comes nearest to purified Cerin!”

3822 Entomological Society.

“Tt costs at Ningpo, from twenty-two to thirty-five cents per pound. The annual
products of this humble creature in China, cannot be far from 400,000 Ibs.”

Mr. Hanbury added, that it was harder than bees’-wax and that its fusing point
was about 184° Fahr.; it had been imported into this country and employed for
making candles and other purposes, but it was too expensive to be generally useful.

Mr. Westwood remarked that the insects were the wingless females of a species
of Coccus, which, with the exception of their short legs, were wholly permeated with.
the secretion of wax. He proposes to call the species C. Sinensis.

Mr. Westwood exhibited the following species of Coccide, all more or less resem-
bling the insect under notice, in producing colouring or waxy matter. Coccus Ilicis,
from South of Europe, Margarodes Formicarum, the ground pearl of the West Indies,
Coccus manniparus, from Mount Sinai, and a species from Manilla.

Mr. Hanbury also exhibited a Chinese print of the tree, the insects, and the
masses left on the plants from which the Cocci are propagated.

Mr. Douglas read part of a communication made to the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ a
short time since, by Mr. Fortune, on the insect in question.

“Sir George Staunton observed an insect of this description on the coast of Cochin
China, ‘ busily employed upon the small branches of a shrub then neither in fruit nor
flower, but its general habit bearing somewhat the appearance of a privet;’ writers
generally call this plant Ligustrum lucidum; yet M. S. Julien who has intimate know-
ledge of the written language of China, says, that the wax insects are stated to be
raised on three species of plants, namely, Ligustrum glabrum, Rhus succedanea, and
a species of Hibiscus, (Comptes Rendus, 1840). But I now possess evidence which
goes a loug way to prove that another plant, different from any of the above, is the
true white-wax tree of Central China. Before leaving China I had the honour of
receiving from the French Consul at Shanghae, two small trees, which had been
brought down by one of the Catholic missionaries from the province of Sychuen. I
cannot see how any mistake could have been made, as the tree is no doubt as common’
in that province, as the tallow-tree is at Che Kiang. I am happy to say that one of
these plants has reached this country in good condition, and is now at the Exotic
Nursery of Messrs. Knight and Perry at Chelsea. It appears very like an ash, but
apparently different from any known species. It is deciduous, and no doubt will
prove perfectly hardy in the gardens of this country.”

Mr. Baly exhibited some bees which had been preserved in spirit, and restored to
their pristine beauty by washing with soap and warm water, the pile being dried and
raised with blotting paper.

Mr. Waterhouse said he had often treated insects of all orders, except Lepidoptera,
in this way, even when they were greasy, with the greatest success, and Mr. Edward.
Sheppard also spoke in its favour.

The following communication from Mr. Spence was read : —

“ Through the kindness of Dr. Quain, of Harley Street, Cavendish Square, I am
enabled to lay before the Society specimens of the African Dipterous insect, ‘ Tsétsé,
communicated to him by William Oswell, Esq., who has travelled extensively in
Africa; and also the following very interesting memorandum respecting it, by the same

Entomological Society. 3823

gentleman, who informed him that on one occasion he lost forty-nine out of fifty-seven
oxen, of which his teams consisted, from the attacks of this insect, and that the inter-
val from their being first attacked to their death, varied from three to twelve weeks.

“¢ Tsétsé.—This fly, which is the same as that found to the eastward of the Lim-
popo, infests the country of Sebitoeni, a chief living between the 18th and 15th degrees
of South latitude, and the 24th and 28th of East longitude. It is fortunately confined
to particular spots, and is never known to shift. The inhabitants herd their cattle at
a safe distance from its haunts; and should they, in changing their cattle-posts, be
obliged to pass through tracts of country in which it exists, they choose a. moonlight
winter's night, as during the nights of the cold weather it does not bite. From what
I have seen, I believe that three or four flies will kill a full-grown ox. We examined
about twenty of ours which were bitten and died, and the appearances were similar in
all. On raising the skin, a glairy appearance of the muscles and flesh (which was
much wasted) presented itself. The stomach and intestines healthy ; the heart, lungs
and liver, sometimes all, and invariably one or the other, diseased ; the heart in parti-
cular attracted our attention, it was no longer a firm muscle, but collapsed readily on
compression of its walls, and had the appearance of flesh that had been steeped in
water. The blood was greatly diminished in quantity and altered in quality; not
more than twenty pints could be obtained from the largest ox, and that thick and
albuminous; the hands, when plunged into it, came out free of stain. The poison
would seem to grow in the blood, and through it to affect the vital organs. All domes-
ticated animals, save, I believe, goats, die from the bite of this insect. Calves and
sucking animals however are not affected; and man and all wild animals are bitten
with impunity. The symptoms of the bite are swelling of the eyelids and a watery
discharge from the eyes, and considerable enlargement of the sublingual glands.’

“* Mr. Oswell’s interesting account gives several new and curious particulars rela-
tive to the effect of the bite of this insect on the animals attacked by it, not mentioned
in Mr. Cumming’s ‘ Five Years of a Hunter's Life in the far Interior of South Africa,
nor in the valuable paper by Mr. Westwood read to the Zoological Society, December
10, 1850,* on this species, where it is described as belonging to the genus Glossina of
Wiedemann (allied to Stomoxys, but differing in having the proboscis straight, with-

out any elbow, and with a round, hairy, bulbous base, possibly, as suggested to Mr.
Westwood by Professor Owen, a reservoir of some powerfully poisonous liquid), under
the name of Glossina morsitans, Westwood.

“ The specimens now laid before the Society, agree exactly with Mr. Westwood’s
description.”

Mr. Oswell, who was present as a visitor, gave a detailed and very interesting ac-
count of his experience with this African pest, the facts of which are embodied in the
foregoing communication. He mentioned however that the fly makes a droning hum,
and is so pertinacious in its attacks that it is impossible to drive it away.

Mr. Spence also called attention to the discovery in the caves of Illyria, of two
more species of blind beetles, a printed account of which, by Herr Schmidt, had been
sent to him by the author, extracted from the ‘ Laibacher Zeitung,’ August 4, 1852.

* ‘Proceedings,’ in the ‘ Annals of Natural History,’ x. 138—150,

3824 | Entomological Society.

These insects were both found in the darkest parts of the caves, and retreated quickly
from the light into clefts of the rock.

“‘ Leptoderus angustatus. Red-brown; head and thorax darker, shining, the lat-
ter swelled out in front, and hindwardly much contracted; elytra oval, viewed with
a lens they are scarred and marked with fine points: palpi, antenne and feet some-
what lighter brown, beset with strong, yellowish hairs. The female has in the tarsi
of the fore-feet only four joints, but five in all the others ; whereas the male has five
joints in the fore-feet also, of which the first, second, and third, are enlarged from the
base outwards, especially the first, which exceeds the next two both in length and
width.

_. “Leptoderus sericeus. Brown; head and thorax slightly darker, face with fine

yellow hairs; thorax nearly even with the head, cylindric, long, broad, and widened a
little in front: palpi and antenne muclr lighter, the latter, particularly in the male,
very long-jointed, and from the sixth joint with yellow hairs; the tarsi in the male
are five-jointed as in the preceding species, but the joints are of eqal thickness. The
body is 2 lines long, and scarcely 1 line broad, and is of the form of L. angustatus.
The elytra are marked with fine, round depressions, and covered with shining yellow
hairs. Both sexes are much alike in colour, but in the female the joints of the an-
tenne are rather shorter, and the joints of the fore-tarsi are*only four.”

Mr. Spence remarked, that though these beetles lived in the darkest caves, and
were described to be eyeless (augenlos) yet their running away from light seemed to
show they were not destitute of an optic nerve.

Read, the following extracts of a letter addressed to the Secretary by the Rev.
Joseph Greene of Halton Rectory, near Wendover, dated December 8, 1852.

‘In reference to the question of ‘ whether the earth in caterpillar-boxes should be
moist or dry ?? there are two points in favour of the latter, which I omitted to mention
lastnight. Should the earth be in any degree of a clayey consistency, the moistening
tends to make it so close, as to render it nearly impossible for the weaker larve to pene-
trate it, as I have found to be the case more than once. Again, if the earth be moist-
ened, it often happens, that after drying, it becomes so hard jas to prevent the pupa
from bursting, and permitting the escape of the insect. I have repeatedly found this
to be the case in digging for pupe. And once I found even so large and strong an
insect as Smerinthus Tiliz, which from this cause had been unable to escape. It was
perfectly formed ; but was so firmly imbedded that it could not emerge, and miserably
perished! This I imagine to be one of the causes of the periodic uncertainty in the
appearance of many insects. I feel no doubt, that, when hard frosts succeed pro-
tracted rains, a multitude of subterranean pupe are thus destroyed.

“You observed that Ireland had been much neglected by entomologists. I am
quite of your opinion. I am sure there are many valuable insects to be found there.
In proof of which, I may mention that Mr. Ball. himself took. five specimens of
Deilephila Euphorbie, somewhere on the. southern coast. I do not at this moment re-
member the exact locality, but could easily find out. I saw two of the specimens ;
the others perished though neglect. I have in my own collection, two Euphorbie and
one Galii, taken in Ireland ; and, as I mentioned to you, [ am certain I saw Catocala
Fraxini.”

Entomological Society. 3825

Mr. Waterhouse observed, that the Rev. F. W. Hope used to rear great numbers
of Lepidoptera, and he always kept the earth in his cages covered with damp moss.

Read also, the following note by the Rev. J. Greene, on a curious circumstance
observed in hybernating specimens of Vanessa Io.

“ About ten days since (December 8), being engaged in digging for pupa, in a
wood about a mile from my residence, I came to a moderate-sized beech-tree, whose
roots formed an arch, about half a foot in height. As I was on the point of inserting
my trowel into the cavity, I heard a faint hissing noise: thinking it might be an
adder, I started back. Upon a closer inspection, however, I discovered, to my great
surprise, three hybernating Vanessa Io (the peacock). Two were attached to the con-
cave part of the arch, the third was on the ground, and the noise I heard proceeded
from it. It is difficult to describe the noise exactly, but the nearest approximation to
it, is the sound produced by blowing slowly, and with moderate force, through the
closed teeth. It was decidedly not a rustling sound, such as would proceed from an
imprisoned insect. While making the noise; the wings were slowly depressed and
elevated. To remove any doubt as to whether the sound was produced by the insect,
I pushed off one that was adhering to the tree, which immediately commenced the
same movement of the wings, accompanied by a similar noise. That the noise was
produced in part by the movement of the wings is very likely; but that it was wholly
so, is, I think, improbable, from the fact of the extreme slowness (I might say, deli-
beration) with which the wings were opened and shut. Strange as it may appear, it
certainly struck me that the nuise was intended to intimidate! Whenever I pointed
the trowel at it, it forthwith turned towards it, and commenced the noise with renewed
vigour. I saw no more, neither do I remember to have ever met with hybernating
Diumes before. .

* As I think I can find the tree again, I shall re-examine it, though I am not
aware that I can add anything to the above.

“IT may add, that a more unlikely place for hybernation could scarcely be found.
The tree was on a high bank, facing the north, and the opening was quite exposed to
rain, snow, &c.”

The following memoirs were also read :—

“ Descriptions of some new species of Longicorn beetles, brought from the North
of China, by R. Fortune, Esq.” By W. W. Saunders, Esq.

“ Descriptions of new Genera and Species of Curculionide,” by G. R. Waterhouse,
Esq. The following is an abstract : —

Oxyruyncnus.—Family Oxyrhynchide.

Oxyrhynchus Fortuni. A species much larger and proportionately shorter than
O. discors, with the puncturing both on the thorax and elytra less distinct ; general
colour pale ashy brown; thorax with three longitudinal white lines ; elytra with a white
line running from the shoulder to the middle of the suture. Hab. N. China.

Oxyrhynchus Philippininensis. Like O. discors in its markings, but of larger size,
the elytra relatively shorter, with a tooth in the middle at the base, the margin much
raised between this tooth and the scutellum, and the raised part concave beneath and
opening in front. Hab. Philippine Islands,

XI. P

3326 Entomological Society.

TETRALOPHUS, a new genus of the Etimide, which appears to approach most
nearly to the genus Mythites of Schonherr, but, judging from the description, must
have the antenne shorter, and differs, moreover, in having two longitudinal crests on
the rostrum, the sides of the thorax much produced and angular, and the upper sur-
face with two high crests; the legs very slender.

T. sculpturatus is 5} lines long; black, and has two series of angular tubercles on
each elytron, the hindermost tubercle being the largest in the inner series, and the
foremost and last tubercles of the outer series are both very large. Hab. Swan River.

LEpTOsTETHUS, a new genus of Pachyrhynchida, near Polyphrades in its charac-
ters, but with the body much more elongated, and the anterior coxe separated,
leaving a narrow chest between them.

L.. marginatus, a large insect, being 7% lines long,* and 2% wide; much elongated,
the rostrum very broad and flat above, the sides of the body nearly parallel: black ;
thorax thickly cévered with small glossy granules; elytra crenato-striated: both thorax
and elytra with a broad, yellow, squamose band at the sides; femora red, with the
apex black. |

L. Waltoni is black, covered with pale, dirty yellowish scales ; has the femora red,
the rostrum with four keels; thorax thickly granulated ; elytra punctato-striate, the
apex somewhat produced at the suture; length 5 lines; breadth 2 lines. Both spe-
cies are from South-West Africa. |

AcHLAINOMUS, new genus of the Pachyrhynchide. General form most near to
Prostomus, the rostrum wants the longitudinal ridges seen in that genus; the jaws
are short, the joints of the antenne rather shorter, the thorax less convex ; the elytra
shorter and less convex, separated from the prothorax, and with the humeral angles
not produced: fore tibiae much curved and very strongly dentated within; middle
and hind tibie dilated and produced externally and internally at the apex.

_ A. ebeninus.is from India: glossy black, destitute of scales; antenne, and. termi-
nal joint of tarsi pitchy red; rostrum canalieculated ; thorax very delicately punctured,
canaliculated ; elytra punctato-striated. Its length is 44 lines; width 1$ line.

ENAPTORHINDS, a new genus of the Brachyderide, nearly related to Geotragus, but
differs in the form being much more elongated, the rostrum somewhat convex above,
separated from the head by a transverse depression, the antenne stouter and with
shorter joints. The male has the hinder tibie clothed with very long pale hairs.
A, Sinensis is 43 lines long, and 1} line broad, of a pitchy brown colour, sparingly
clothed with scales; thorax rugose, and with three pale lines: elytra punctato-striate ;
the back much depressed, and even slightly concave in the middle, but somewhat
humped near the apex, where there are numerous long hairs. Hab. N. China.

Cupicosomvs, a new genus of the Cleonide, near Leptops, but with the elytra

very short and nearly of a cubical form; the two basal joints of the funiculus only are
obconic, the rest very short; the rostrum rather longer than in Leptops.

* The rostrum is not included in the dimensions of length given in the paper.

Entomological Society. 3827

C. Whitet is 54 lines in length, and 34 in width; black, with brownish scales;
rostrum with a longitudinal depression, the base obtusely carinated, the forehead with
a slight swelling on either side ; thorax narrow, the sides nearly straight, above very
uneven, rugose, the middle longitudinally impressed, and with an irregular transverse
depression behind the middle; elytra above uneven, deeply punctured, the punctures
arranged in somewhat irregular rows, the second and fifth (or sixth?) insterstices each
with four large obtuse tubercles, and the apex with some smaller tubercles. Hab.
Richmond River, New Holland.

Evrycuirvus, a new genus of the Molytide, near Hypera. Rostrum and antenne
nearly as in Hypera punctata ; the head rather more exserted ; the thorax without any
trace of post-ocular lobes: the legs very long and very stout, the femora much incras-
sated in the middle ; the tarsi very large, and unusually broad.

E. bituberculatus. Length 4} lines; width 23 lines. Form short and broad ;
elytra with the humeral angles produced, obtusely angled: black, clothed with green-
ish gray, sub-metallic scales ; rostrum pitchy, carinated ; thorax thickly punctured ;
elytra punctato-striated, the punctures each enclosing a scale; each elytron witha
large tubercle nearly in the middle, and a smaller one, sub-apical in its position.
Hab. New Holland.

PLACODERES, a new genus of the Cyclomides, nearly related to Acantholophus, but
differs in having the funiculus of the antenna distinctly seven-jointed, the head and
thorax destitute of spines, the latter very broad, much produced at the sides, and
nearly angular in the middle, the dorsal surface nearly flat: elytra pedunculated, not
touching the prothorax.

P. variegatus. Length 9 lines; width 33 lines, Black, clothed with minute, nar-
row scales, some brown and some yellowish; rostrum tricarinated ; thorax thickly
granulated, and slightly grooved along the middle; elytra punctato-striated, the
punctures remote, interstices with small glossy granules, variegated with dirty yellow,
brown and black. Hab. unknown, probably Australia.

EcTEMNORHINUS, a new genus of the Phyllobide, near Phyllobius ; the general
form more elongated and less convex; rostrum shorter; the antenne inserted in a
cavity near the apex, which cavity has the fore part opening laterally, the hinder part
curved inward, and opening on the upper surface of the rostrum: elytra much elon-
gated, and each elytron obtusely rounded at the apex: body soft.

E. viridis. Length 33 lines ; width 14 line. Elongate, pitchy, clothed with
metallic green scales; legs and anteune ferruginous ; thorax small, sub-cylindrical,
but slightly swollen in the middle, and rather obscurely keeled ; elytra delicately
punctato-striated. Hab. Kerguelen’s Land, in the Southern Ocean.

DRrEPANODERES, a new genus, also of the Phyllobide, remarkable for the thorax
being produced on either side into a large sub-recurved pointed process, the apex of
the process extending beyond the humeral angle of the elytra.

D. viridifasciatus (an insect in the collection of the British Museum), is 23 lines
long ; black; antenne and legs red, clothed with bright green metallic scales; head
with a triangular black patch behind; thorax punctated, with three longitudinal de-
nuded bands; elytra punctato-striated, each with four irregular, short, transverse,

3828 Entomological Society.

green bands, which extend neither to the suture nor the outer margin, and with a few
irregular green patches near the apex.

D. fuscus, is a trifle smaller than the last, aaa of a brown colour; the legs and
antenne testaceous; the interstices of the strie of the elytra clothed with small hairs.
Both species are from India.

Synapronyx, a new genus of the Erirhinide. Body of a short ovate form, the
thorax very little narrower than the elytra, which are emarginated in front in the form
of a segment of a circle; rostrum about equal to the head and thorax in length, and
of moderate thickness, rather suddenly bent down near the middle; the antennal
groove scarcely visible excepting in front, where the antenne are inserted; antenne
moderate. Legs rather short, claws united at the base, and very little separated at
the apex.

S. ovatus, black, clothed with small ashy white scales; antenne and terminal joint
of the tarsus ferruginous; rostrum clothed with scales above, carinated at the base,
the apical portion acutely margined on either side, and the upper surface nearly flat ;
thorax very finely punctured and with but few scales; elytra striato-punctated, the
interstices broad, and having the scales in small patches, giving a variegated black
and pale appearance. Hab. Australia.

CHELOTONYX, a new genus of the Erirhinide, nearly allied to Prionomerus, but
differs in having the body of a somewhat longer and more ovate form, the rostrum
and antenne longer; the tarsi also longer, and furnished with bifid claws. The claws
in Prionomerus, it may be remarked, have a large square appendage at the base. The
fore-femora have the same large serrated tooth beneath, and the anterior tibie are
curved as in Prionomerus.

C. Batesii is about equal in size to Balaninus nucum, of a bronze colour, and
clothed with piliform, whitish scales, those on the elytra forming little patches: ros-
trum tricarinated above; thorax punctured; elytra punctato-striated. Length 3}
lines. Hab. Para, Amazons.

ANOM#ARTHRIA, a new genus of the Baridiida, near Cylindrocerus. The female
of the species on which the new genus is founded, differs from Cylindrocerus in having
all the joints of the funiculus of the antenn@ obconic, and the rostrum very strongly
curved, so that the point is directed backwards; and the male is distinguished from
all other Baridiide in having the funiculus composed, first, of a very small joint, then
a very large oval joint, and with the following joints all nearly oval but decreasing
successively in size. The middle tibie at the apex, the posterior tibize on the inner
side, and the basal joint of the four posterior tarsi are each furnished with a tuft of
velvet-like yellow hairs.

A, ceruleipennis is nearly equal in size to Cylindrocerus signum, but of a narrower
form; glossy black, with the elytra purple-blue, a small spot of yellow scales at the
base of each elytron, not far from the scutellum: male, with the joints of the funicu-
lus clothed with long hairs, and the body with scattered yellow scales beneath. Length
3 lines. Hab. Minas Geraes, Brazil.

Proropatus, Schonherr (Cryptorhynchida). Mr. Waterhouse expresses an opinion
that the characters of this genus are drawn up froma male insect only, and that the

Entomological Society. 3829

female does not present the crenulations on the underside of the rostrum, and that
it differs further from the male, in having the anterior legs very little longer than the
others. This opinion is founded upon the fact that he possesses an insect presenting
these differences (and these only), when compared with Schonherr’s description of
P. Stephensi. A second species is described, which differs from the insect referred to
in Mr. Waterhouse’s collection, in having the thorax and elytra rather less humped,
and in having the second joint of the funiculus fully twice as long as the first. Its
length 73 lines. Hab. Moreton Bay. It is named P. Schonherri.

Pezicuus, a new genus of the Cryptorhynchide—first division : founded upon an
insect in which the structure of the antenne resembles that in Cylindrocorynus, ex-
cepting that these organs are rather longer and more slender. ‘The legs are very long
and slender, the femora not clavate ; the tarsi very long and slender and with the first
joint nearly as long as the remaining three taken together; thorax rather small ;
elytra moderate as to length, nearly twice as broad as the thorax.

P. binotatus is 53 lines in length, and 24 in breadth. Black, unequally clothed
with brown scales; thorax granulated behind and at the sides, and keeled above;
elytra punctato-striated, the punctures very widely separated, and each enclosing a
scale ; the second interstice keeled ; a small, oblique, dirty white mark on each elytron,
rather behind the middle: femora dentate. Hab. Moreton Bay.

GLOCHINORHINUS, a new genus of the Cryptorhynchide — first division: body
nearly cylindrical, tubercular and squamose; funiculus with the terminal joint more
slender than the rest, and longer than several of the preceding joints. Male witha
recurved spine on each side of the rostrum in the middle, and a small spine behind
this.

G. Doubledayi (Protopalus ? Doubledayi, Jeckel’s MSS.) : black, clothed with ci-
nereous scales ; thorax granulated, and with a middle keel ; elytra irreguldrly punctato-
striate; the second interstice with three short crests, each appearing as if composed
of an aggregation of tubercles; third interstice with one tubercle in the middle,
fourth with several small tubercles, and with a sub-apical group of four or five small
tubercles ; legs long and slender, fore-legs the longest. Length 5} lines; width 24
lines. Hab. Moreton Bay.

ProtopTERus, Scho. Four new species of this genus are described, and these are
placed in two sections.

Section I.—The second joint of the funiculus much longer than the first. It
includes—

P. Chevrolatvi, which is of an elongate-ovate form, has the thorax attenuated and
two-pointed in front, and produced considerably beyond the head, with a short keel in
the middle of the dorsal surface, and an obtuse tubercle on each side of this keel:
small granules are scattered over the surface of the thorax and elytra; the latter are
irregularly punctured, excepting at the sides, and each elytron has about nine obtuse
tubercles, three in the second interstice, three in the fourth, one in the sixth, and two
near the shoulder: the apex is produced into two conical tubercles, one belonging to
each elytron.. General colour black, clothed with brown scales ; a band of greenish

3830 Entomological Society.

ash-coloured scales runs from the shoulders obliquely inwards and backwards, beyond
the middle of the elytra. Length 6} lines; width 2} lines. Hab. Moreton Bay. _
P. Jeckelii is rather broader, and less convex than the preceding, has the thorax
produced beyond the head, and bilobed in front; the dorsal surface keeled and bitu-
berculate, the sides rounded and notched in the middle; a few very minute granules
scattered on the elytra: each elytron with three large obtuse tubercles on the place
of the second interstice, two on the fourth, one on the sixth in the middle, and two at
the shoulder, besides a transverse irregular elevation at the base; the apex produced
into a large tubercle, having a triaugular base. Black with minute brown scales, and
scattered large scales. Length 63 lines; width 23 lines. Hab. Moreton Bay.

Section II.—Antennz with the two basal joints equal, or very nearly so.

P. Parryi nearly resembles P. Jeckelii, but the tubercles on the elytra are less ob-
tuse, and some of them pointed; humeral angles of the elytra more prominent; the
thorax with two tubercles in front, and not produced beyond the head; a very obtuse
keel in the middle, and two tubercles (one behind the other) on each side of the keel,
besides a lateral tubercle; elytra each with a sub-apical, dirty white mark, united
posteriorly to a small tubercle of the same colour, the scales on other parts brown.
Length 7} lines; width 3} lines. Hab. Sydney. In the collection of the British
Museum.

P. Westwoodii, more elongate and more convex than the two preceding species ;
thorax produced slightly beyond the head in front, where there are two obtuse tu-
bercles ; the central portion with a short keel ; and four tubercles are arranged nearly
in a transverse line on the middle of the thorax, the outer pair project horizontally
from the sides of the thorax, which, together with the upper surface of the elytra,
presents numerous stnall glossy granules scattered over the surface. Each elytron has
five conical tubercles arranged in a line parallel with, and not far from the suture, of
which the fourth is very large and prominent, the last (or fifth) small; besides these
are a few other tubercles, of which three may be especially noticed ; they are arranged
in an oblique line, extending from the shoulder to the third of the inner row of tu-
bercles; apex of the elytra truncate. Length 73 lines; width 23 lines. Hab.
Australia. ‘

PLaGsocoryNus, a new genus of the Cryptorhynchide—first division: founded ©
upon a large Cryptorhynchus, with a general form of the body somewhat like that of
Leptops quadrituberculatus. Rostrum very short and stout, and irregularly quadri-
carinated above ; thorax large, produced in front into a rounded lobe which projects
considerably beyond the head; elytra of the same width at the base as the thorax,
gradually becoming wider towards the hinder part, the sides very deep and bent some-
what inwards, the apical portion bent suddenly downwards, with four obtuse tu-
bercles in a transverse line, behind the middle; the base rather deeply trisinuated ;
legs short and stout, femora not dentate; tarsi small; antenne with the second joint
of funiculus elongate obconic, the first short obconic, the rest very short; club short,
and obliquely truncated, the three terminal joints for the most part hidden and en-
closed by the basal joint.

P. quadrituberculatus is black, clothed with dark brown scales; thorax rather
coarsely punctured, with a mesial keel and a short keel on each side of the disc;
elytra with large punctures arranged in rows. Length 6 lines; width 3 lines. Hab.

&
Entomological Society. 3831

Moreton Bay. The male smaller and narrower than indicated by the dimensions
here given.

Cu2zTEcTETORUs, Schonherr.

C. spinipennis, a new species. Length 4 lines; width 13 line. Black, clothed
with brownish scales: thorax with a short mesial keel, and two longitudinal and
slightly elevated crests on the fore part, diverging slightly as they extend backwards
towards the middle of the thorax ; elytra punctate-striated, with a transverse black
band behind the middle, and which does not extend to the outer margins; an oblong
black spot between this and the base, a small tubercle towards the apex, clothed with
pale brown scales, and minute black markings ; apex produced at the suture into a
sharp spine, and some acute denticles external to this spine. Hab. Australia.

SyMPIEZOCELUS, a new genus of the Cryptorhynchide—first division : founded
upon an insect which in general form reminds one of the species of Tranes or
Iphipus.

S. Spencei is of a glossy, pitchy-black colour, destitute of scales: rostrum short,
rather slender and depressed, dilated at the base; antennal groove in form of an ob-
long fovea, situated immediately in front of the eye; antenne with the basal joint
(or scape) very short and almost obconic; first and second joints of funiculus obconic,
the rest short ; club of a very short oval form, almost round: thorax emarginated on
each side behind the eye, constricted in front, the sides very little rounded, upper sur-
face but little convex, with scattered punctures, and a very short keel behind: elytra
very little broader than the thorax, oblong, rounded at the apex, strongly punctato-
striated: legs short, femora large and compressed ; tibia broad and compressed, den-
tated externally near the apex, and with a large incurved claw at the apex; tarsi
small, not dilated: the two basal joints destitute of spongy substance beneath. Hab.
Richmond River, Australia.

Hysopuorvs, a new genus of the Cryptorhynchide—second division: the rostral
Groove not acutely margined behind: founded upon an insect having the general form
nearly similar to certain species of Centrinus, such as C. morio: the thorax short,
Narrow before, and broad behind; the elytra much broader than the thorax at the base,
With the shoulders prominent, but rounded, the width gradually decreasing to the
upex, which is rounded ; nearest to Rhyssomatus in affinity, but differs in having sim-
ple diverging claws (those in Rhyssomatus being bifid), and in having the humeral
angles of the elytra prominent: rostrum long, sub-carinated ; antenne with two basal
joints of funiculus longish obconic, the rest short; eyes large, much approximated in
front : thorax constricted in front, then dilated with a rounded outline, with a much
elevated keel on the fore part.

Hybophorus rufo-tuberosus ; black; without scales; thorax with a transverse row
of large punctures in front, interrupted by the large central keel, and some coarse
punctures on either side; elytra with the region of the suture smooth, and in the
place of the first stria, with widely separated depressions, each bearing in the centre
a small glossy black granule, the remaining parts very uneven, with irregular and
obtuse tubercles, the crowns of which are red, the interspaces having scattered black
granules; of the tubercles one at the shoulder is very large, and the same may be
said of a second, which is placed about midway between the base and apex of the

2
3832 Birds.

elytra, and not far from the suture; femora with a strong tooth beneath, rather be-
yond the middle, and a smaller tooth between this and the apex. Length 3% lines ;
width 23 lines. Hab. Australia. Prubably Moreton Bay.—J. W. D.

Occurrence of the Summer Duck (Dendronessa Sponsa, Swainson) in Sussex.—On
the 24th of December, 1851, I observed, whilst driving in a gig past a pond in West-
grinsted Park, near Horsham, Sussex, two ducks on the water; and at once saw that
they were some species which I had never before met with. Having ascertained from
the owner of the property, that they were not turned out by him, I returned to the
spot with my gun. I found the birds still there, but very wary: I, however, by going
on my hands and knees some three or four hundred yards, succeeded in shooting one,
which turned out to be an adult male in most perfect plumage. The other escaped
for the time, but on the 27th of the same month was shot by a man of the name of
Downer, game-keeper to Sir C. M. Burrell, and sent to me. This was also an adult
male. The said keeper told me that they had been about the park for about three
weeks, but that he had never been able to get a shot at them, on account of their being
so wild. The bird I shot had an old gun-shot wound on one of the tarsi, from which
I pressed out a shot with my thumb: the bone appeared to have been broken, but to
have united and healed, thus showing that the bird must have been some considerable
time atlarge. The gizzard of each contained a few acorns, and a small quantity of
grass, with some minute particles of gravel and flint. They were exceedingly wild,
the plumage was quite perfect, and they had not the slightest appearance of ever
having been in confinement.— W. Borrer, jun.; Cowfold, Sussex, February, 1853.

Occurrence of the Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucus) in Sussexw.—My friend the Rev.
R. N. Dennis, of East Blatchington, Seaford, Sussex, sends me word that about the
20th of December, 1852, a bird of this species, apparently commencing the plumage
of the third year, was brought to him alive, having been caught in that neighbour-
hood ; he was exceedingly savage, and severely bit the person who brought him.—Zd.

Occurrence of various Birds in Sussexc.—On the same authority, I beg to record
the occurrence of the following visitors. A well-marked specimen of the ringed guil-
lemot (Uria lachrymans), was picked up dead, on the beach in Seaford Bay, in De-
cember, 1852; and about the same time several specimens of the puffin (Puffinus arc-
ticus); and on the 3rd of January, 1853, another puffin was picked up: this last was
in full plumage and quite fresh, the others being stale. How came the puffins on the
Sussex coast at this time of the year? A specimen of the common thick-knee (Gdic-
nemus crepitans), was picked up alive, but in a dying state, on the 7th of this pre-
sent February; this also is an unusually early occurrence: this bird not generally
appearing before the middle or latter end of April, and departing in the autumn. I
have, however, a specimen shot near Newhaven, Sussex, on November 5, 18453; so
that the bird possibly occasionally remains throughont the winter.—Jd.

Occurrence of the Little Auk near Edinburgh.—I beg to inform you that I shot a
specimen of the little auk (Mergulus Alle) near Cramond, on the Firth of Forth, about
four miles from Edinburgh, upon the 14th of February.— Robert H. Broughton ; 21,
Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, February 21, 1853.

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3833

Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Saturday, January 8, 1853.—Pror. Ftemine, D.D., in the chair.

John Stewart, Esq., exhibited a collection of stereoscopic photographs, in illustra-
tion of which he made the following remarks : —

For some time past, Mr. S. said, he had endeavoured tc ascertain by experiment
the possibility of procuring a distinct representation of an object in motion, by means
of very sensitive photographic plates. He meant by this a correct likeness of an object
from an instantaneous exposure of a plate to its shadow while in motion. He was fully
aware that part of what he proposed was of old date, and that photographic plates had
years ago been rendered sensitive enough to require but an instant’s exposure in order
to procure a picture. Talbot proved this when he caught the distinct image of a re-
volving wheel illuminated by a spark of electricity ; and an amateur photographer,
Professor Machonochie, told him, that while taking a view of the inauguration of the
Wellington statue in this city, he accidentally caught the distinct representation of a
flash of lightning that occurred, as many present will recollect, during the ceremony,
and which chanced at the instant he exposed his plate. He had not yet had the plea-
sure of seeing this photograph, but the Professor had kindly promised that he should
soon do so. However, in both these cases the rapidity of taking these views was
thrown from the operator on to the illuminating cause. Talbot's wheel was seen but
for a fraction of a second, and, if his plate was sufficiently sensitive, was sure to im-
press its outline thereon. So with his friend’s flash of lightning, though there is a re-
markable difference in the two cases, the last being taken in the broad glare of daylight.
To obtain a view of a moving object in daylight, the case is different ; the rapidity of
action must then be thrown upon the operator, and the speed of the plate’s exposure
must exceed the quickness of the object’s motion, in order to ensure a distinct outline.
The summer before last he caught (for he could use no other word) distinct views of
many objects in motion, such as people walking, carriages moving, and the waves of
the sea. These were on single plates. What he wished to show the Society to-day
were stereoscopic views of the sea taken last summer. It will appear at once to every
one who understands the stereoscope, that two views are required for this object. These
two views must both be taken instantaneously from nature, and also at the same instant.
They must be taken instantaneously, to procure a distinct outline from nature, in order
that they may stand out in the instrument (which copies from a picture will not do),
and at the same instant, to ensure their uniting together. Those he had on the table
were so taken, and were views across Morecambe Bay, in North Lancashire. The
waves and ripple on the sea have a distinct outline, the hill of Blackcombe on the op-
posite side is fourteen miles distant, and light clouds may be distinguished hanging
half way across the bay. The process of preparing these plates Mr. Stewart at pre-
sent declined to communicate, as it was intimately connected with some researches he
was making to test the possibility of procuring natural colours along with a photogra-
phic view. He did not at present think it impossible that a process may be disco-
vered by which nature may be represented in her own colours by means of the camera.
Some traces of colour he had already been able to procure, but as yet not the faintest
shade of that all-pervading one of green, which always comes out black in this style of
photograph.

Hugh Miller, Esq., read a communication “On Bothrodendron, Ulodendron, Stig-
maria, and other characteristic Plants of the Carboniferous Period ; with a restoration

XI, Q

3834 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

of Sphenopteris elegans.” The author began his paper by quoting from Mr. Bunbury’s

description of a fossil fern of the North American coal measures, published in the

‘ Journal of the Geological Society’ for 1852. “It is rare,” says Mr. B., “to find in

the ferns of the carboniferous period, even the stipes or leaf-stalk completely preserved

down to its base ; the only specimen of the kind that I have seen is a beautiful Sphe-
nopteris (I believe Spkenopteris elegans) from the Edinburgh cval-field, in the collec-
tion of Mr. Hugh Miller.” Whatis deemed rare by Mr. Bunbury, one of our highest
authorities in fossil Botany, must be regarded as absolutely so; and Mr. M. now ex-
hibited, he said, and attempted to describe, this unique fossil, in the hope of adding
a very little to what was already known regarding one of the most beautiful and cha-
racteristic ferns of the lower coal measures. From a suite of specimens on the Socie-
ty’s table, it would be found that, save in one particular, the entire frond of Spheno-
pteris elegans could be restored, so as to be rendered as palpable to conception as the
fronds of the green brake, which in one respect it resembled, that flourished last season

on the sunny hill-sides or amid the deep woodland glades of our country. In one
important particular, however, the restoration must be incomplete. So far as Mr. M.
knew, no specimen of any coal-measure species of this ancient genus exhibits the fruc-
tification ; and we must be content, therefore, to acquaint ourselves simply with the
general outline and venation of the plant. All previous attempted restorations of
Sphenopteris had been unfortunate. It seems to have been inferred, from the mi-
nuteness of the pinnules, that the frond to which they belonged had also been minute ;
and so in the restorations, — such as that of the late Dr. Mantell, in his ‘ Wonders of
Geology, and that of the interesting oil painting of carboniferous plants in the Mu-

seum attached to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, — restorations introduced, however,
rather for pictorial than scientific purposes, — the large, eminently handsome, and ap-
parently solitary frond given to the plant by Nature, has been represented by mere .
dwarfish pinne, rising gregariously, as in Polypodium and Asplenium, from a com-
mon rhizoma. In one important respect Sphenopteris elegans resembled Pteris aqui-
lina, — our common hill-side bracken. It was furnished with a stout leafless rachis,
exceedingly similar in form to that of Pteris. Nay, it exhibited so completely, in Mr.
M.’s specimen, the same club-like slightly bent termination, the same gradual dimi-
nution in thickness, and the same smooth surface, that one accustomed to see this part
of the bracken used as a thatch—and a very durable thatch the stipites of the bracken
do form — can scarcely doubt that the stipes of Sphenopteris would have served the —
purpose equally well. Evidently, were it still in existence to be employed for that
purpose, a roof thatched with Sphenopteris, with its pinne and leaflets concealed, and
only its club-like stems exposed row above row, in the ordinary style of the fern-thatch-
er, could not be distinguished — so far as form and size went — from a roof thatched
with Pteris. Ata height of from seven to eight inches above its club-like termina-
tion, the stem divided into two equal parts, which shot upwards with a divergence that
rendered the fork between an angle of about 30°; and at unequal heights, a little far-
ther up, each of these divided stems bifurcated, in turn, at about the same angle, and
then shot up, in some individuals, without further bifurcation ; while in others they
bifurcated again, and yet again. It is probable that, as in many of the recent ferns,
the greater divisions of the plant were constant, while the smaller varied according to
the richness of the soil, and the consequent size and degree of development attained
by the frond. As in Pteris aquilina, there shot out from these main stems numerous
pinne irregularly alternate, and which, becoming less compound as they approached

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3835

the top of the plant, passed, in ascending, from tripinnate to bipinnate, and assumed
finally the form of more alternately pinnate leaflets. -Unlike Pteris, however, whose

_ stem remains bare of pinne until its larger divisions take place, the stem of Spheno-

pteris elegans sent forth on its opposite sides two decompound pinne, the one about

an inch, the other about an inch and a quarter or so, below the first fork, — a peculia-

rity of structure that must have imparted a graceful fulness of outline to the lower
portion of the frond, which, had the rachis been bare, it could not have possessed. Al-
ternation, save in the bifurcations of the main, secondary, and tertiary stems, and in

the case of a few irregular pinne that seem to have been placed opposite, or nearly so,
constituted the law that regulated the form of the plant. The pinne alternated on the

greater stems, — the semi-pinne alternated on the pinne, —and finally, the minute,

closely nerved, spathulate leaflets alternated on the semi-pinne. The entire frond

must have been of great lightness and beauty, of a style intermediate, from the slim-
ness of its leaflets and the slenderness of its secondary and tertiary stems, between that
of the frond of Pteris aquilina, and that of the fully developed sucker of the graceful
Asparagus. A hill-side clothed with these delicately fronded ferns must have rolled

its mimic waves of soft green to every light breeze that stirred the depths of the old

earboniferous forests; and the light and flexile covering which it gave to undulating
plain or gentle acclivity, must have contrasted not unpleasingly with the columnar
trunks of fluted Sigillariz or scaly Lepidodendra, or with the huge rectilinear boles of
gigantic Araucarians. After several remarks on the numerous so-called species of
Sphenopteris found at Burdiehouse, most of which Mr. M. regarded as but mere vari-
eties of a single species, he went on to state that he had an opportunity of seeing, about
six years before, though but for an instant, the larger portion of a frond of Neuropteris
gigantea. He laid it open at a pit-mouth near Musselburgh, in a mass of gray shale,
sorely split and weathered ; but he could do little more than determine that, like Sphe-
nopteris elegans, and the common bracken, it too had a thick bare rachis, and that its
pinne, like its leaflets, were alternate in their arrangement, when it fell to pieces in his

hands. Mr. Miller regretted that, during the glimpse which he enjoyed of this beau-
_tiful frond, he failed to remark the order in which the larger divisions of the rachis

took place; he merely saw, from the general effect, that the frond as a whole—balan-
ced on its strong club-formed leaf-stem—was greatly massier than that of either Pteris
aquilina or Sphenopteris elegans ; and that in the clustered richness of its leaflets, al-
though not in their disposition, it resembled our recent Osmunda regalis, or royal fern.
So transient was his glimpse of the plant, that it has since reminded him of those mo-
mentary glances caught, according to tradition, of long-buried monarchs in their sepul-
chres, that in one moment are seen august in all their robes, and in the next descend-
ing before the admitted air into a shower of light dust. Mr. Miller next exhibited
and described a very fine, and in some respects unique specimen of Ulodendron minus,
which he had disinterred from out a bed of ferruginous shale in the Water of Leith, a
little above the village of Colinton. Though little more than 10 inches in length by 3
in breadth, it exhibited no fewer than seven of those round beautifully sculptured scars,
ranged rectilinearly along the trunk or stem, by which this ancient genus is so remarkably
characterized. The specimen is covered with small, sharply relieved, obovate scales,
most of them furnished with an apparent mid-rib, and with their edges slightly turned
up; and from these peculiarities, and their great beauty, are suited to remind the ar-
chitect of that style of sculpture adopted by Palladio from his master, Vitruvius, when,
in ornamenting the Corinthian or composite torus, he fretted it into closely imbricated

3836 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

obovate leaves. These scales are ranged in elegant curves, which one of the members:
of the Royal Physical Society, Mr. Charles Peach, as his quick eye caught the ar-
rangement in Mr. M.’s specimen, compared not inaptly to those ornamental curves—a
a feat of the turning-lathe — which one sees roughening the backs of ladies’ watches.
Mr. Miller’s specimen exhibited, as it lay in the rock, what, so far as he knew, no
other specimen of Ulodendron had yet shown,—a true branch shooting out at an acute
angle from the stem, and fretted with scales of a peculiar form, verging from irregu-
larly rhomboidal to irregularly polygonal. It has been shown by Messrs. Lindley and
Hutton, on the evidence of one of their specimens, figured in the ‘ Fossil Flora, that
the line of circular or oval scars, so remarkable in this genus, and which are held to
be the impressions made by a rectilinear range of cones, an almost sessile row ex-
isted in duplicate, occurring on two of the sides of the plant directly opposite. Its
cones were thus ranged all in one plane. The branch struck off from one of the inter-
medial sides, at what in the transverse section would be at right angles with the cones;
and though little can be founded on a single specimen, such, certainly, is the disposi-
tion of branch that seems best to consort with such a disposition of cone. It may be
added, said Mr. M., that if all the branches were also ranged in one plane like the
cones, such a disposition would not be quite without example in the vegetable king-
dom, even as it now exists. ‘ Our host,” says the late Captain Basil Hall, in his brief
description of the island of Java, “carried us to see a singular tree, called familiarly
the ‘traveller's friend, — Urania being, I believe, its botanic name. We found it to
_ differ from most other trees, in having all its branches in one plane, like the sticks of
a fan or the feathers of a peacock’s tail.” Influenced, perhaps, by Captain Hall’s de-
scription, and the figure of Urania given in his work, Mr. M. had been accustomed,
he said, to think of Ulodendron—though his evidence on the subject was still far from
ample — as a plant somewhat resembling in its contour the old Jewish candlestick, as
sculptured on the arch of Titus. Mr. M. then went on to show that Ulodendron was
not, as surmised by the authors of the ‘ Fossil Flora, a mere form of Lepidodendron ;
though not improbably another of their genera, Bothrodendron, was a form of it. At
least, Ulodendron, when decorticated, exactly resembles the latter plant, being mottled
over with minute dottings quincuncially arranged, and presenting: its rectilinear line
of oval scars devoid of the ordinary sculpturings. After several remarks on Lepido-
strobus variabilis, which, as shown by specimens on the table, could not be the cone of
Ulodendron, as Messrs. Lindley and Hutton had surmised, but was unequivocally, as
had been inferred by Adolphe Brongniart, that of Lepidodendron, Mr. M. went on to
describe what he deemed a new species of Stigmaria, which he had found in Joppa-
quarry. In the specimen exhibited, the characteristic areole of the plant presented
the ordinary aspect. Each, however, formed the centre of a sculptured star, consisting
of from eighteen to twenty rays, or rather the centre of a sculptured flower of the com-
posite order, resembling a garden daisy,—the minute petals being ranged in three con-
centric lines. Mr. M. then referred to the discovery by Mr. Binney of Manchester,
that the Stigmarie are the roots of Sigillarie, or rather, said Mr. M., the discovery that
they occupy the place of roots. From a specimen on the table, it would be seen that
they terminated very differently from true roots, — ending as abruptly as any of the
Cactus tribe, and with their bud-like areole thickly clustered at the extremities. After
arguing the point at considerable length, Mr. M. went on to say that it might, he
thought, be consistently held, that while the place and position of Stigmaria were, as
shown by Mr. Binney, those of true roots, just as the place and position of the rhizoma

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3837

of Pteris aquilina, or of Cryptogramma crispa, are those of true roots, it was, notwith-
standing, not a true root, but merely a congeries of subterranean stems, that sent forth
_ from the centre at which they converged, a thick subaérial trunk, richly sculptured,
and covered with a foliage of which every trace has long since disappeared. There
was but one other plant of the coal measures, said Mr. M., to which he would at pre-
sent call the attention of the Society. It was evidently a fern, but presented at first
sight more the appearance of a Cycadaceous frond than any other vegetable organism
of the carboniferous age yet seen. From a mid-stem, about a line in thickness, there
proceed at right angles, and in alternate order, a series of sessile lanceolate leaflets,
rather more than two inches in length, by about an eighth of an inch in breadth, and
about three lines apart. Each is furnished with a slender mid-rib ; and, what seems
a singular, though not entirely unique feature in a fern, the edges of each are densely
hirsute, and bristle with thick, short hair. The venation is not distinctly preserved.
In conclusion, Mr. M. took the liberty, he said, of urging on such of the members of
the Society as possessed unique fossils of our carboniferous flora,—unique either from
the circumstance of their being positively new, or of throwing new light on the forms
or structure of plants already known in part, — the importance of exhibiting and de-
scribing them for the general benefit. The authors of both Fossil Floras and Fossil
Faunas, however able or accomplished they may be, have often to found their genera
and species, and to frame their restorations, when they attempt these, on very inade-
quate specimens. For, were they to pause in their labours until better ones turned
up, they would find the longest life greatly tuo short for the completion of even a small
portion of their task. Much of their work must of necessity be of a provisional cha-
racter, —so much so, that there are few possessors of good collections who do not find
themselves in circumstances to furnish both addenda and errata to onr most valuable
works on Paleontology. And it is only by the free communication of these addenda
and errata that geologists will at length be enabled adequately to conceive of the by-
past creations,—of, in especial, the faunas of the paleozoic and secondary periods,—
and of that gorgeous flora of the carboniferous age, with some of whose organisms
Mr. M. had been attempting to deal, and which seems to have been by far the most
luxuriant and wenderful which our emphatically ancient earth ever saw.

The third was a ‘‘ Notice of the Octopus octopodia,” by John Stewart, Esq. Mr.
Stewart referred to the description given in Fleming’s ‘ British Animals,’ p. 254 ; and
stated that the specimen he exhibited was caught on a hook in the Bay of Luce, Oc-
tober 26, 1852. Its dimensions were as follow : — Length of body, about 33 inches;
breadth, 23 inches; length of head, 14 inch; breadth, 1} inch; length of arms, 9
inches ; but the lowest arm on the left side was only 7 inches long. He had taken
three specimens last year in Loch Ryan, and two in Morecambe Bay, North Lanca-
shire. Mr. Stewart also stated that Mr. George Wilson, who had sent him this spe-
cimen, informed him that an albicore had been taken last year in a salmon bag net at
. Strathaven, which was 25 inches in length, 17 in girth, and weighed 10 tbs.

James C. Howden, Esq., M.D., then read a communication, entitled ‘“ Notes on
Marine Zoology.” Dr. Howden said that of the star-fishes which occur in the Firth
of Forth, by far the most common on muddy bottoms between Inch Michry and Gul-
laneness, is the little Ophiura albida ; below that point, again, Ophiura texturata is of
frequent occurrence. Ophiocoma neglecta appears to have a wide range, living in
pools, at low-water mark, under stones, and especially among Corallina officinalis ; he
had found it at Joppa rocks, Prestonpans, Crail, &c., and also in mud, in four or five

3838 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

fathoms, off Prestonpans. The two most curious of our British Ophiuride are Ophio-
coma brachiata and O. filiformis (of Forbes); both of them are found in the Firth of
Forth. The first appears to be rare; but Dr. H. has obtained several unquestionable
“specimens in the trawl from Largo Bay. Ophiocoma filiformis is certainly not rare in
mud, in from three to twelve fathoms, between Musselburgh and Kirkaldy. Indeed,
one can seldom dredge off Musselburgh, without meeting with rejected members of
this species; but it is very apt to be overlooked, especially as the very curious charac-
ter ascribed to the third row of spines by Professor Forbes, is seldom met with. All
the spines of the spine-bearing Echinoderms that Dr. H. has had an (opportunity of
examining, are more or less sculptured, and there is a general tendency to be com-
pressed, especially in the third row, on the arms of the Ophiocome. Their margins
are thin and transparent in Ophiocoma rosula and O. filiformis, — the former bearing
Jarge teeth, which are produced forward at an acute angle to the axis of the spine; on
the latter, the spines are generally more or less truncated, and finely serrated along
their margin, and often terminate by two large teeth projecting laterally, so forming
the resemblance to a pickaxe ; but there are all degrees of variation between this form
and an acute terminal spine, as in other Ophiocome. Ophiocoma bellis and rosula
are both common, especially the latter, as littoral, laminarian, and coralline species.
Dr. H. has a small and imperfect specimen, which does not agree well with any of the
species of this genus described by Professor Forbes. The disk is covered with scales,
as in O. neglecta, but these have a frosted appearance, quite unlike the smooth surface
of that species. The spines on the rays, instead of being ovoid, as in that species, are
somewhat pyramidal and acute at the apex. The most remarkable character, however,
is the absence of the superior plate on the two first segments of each ray. Until more
_ specimens are obtained, nothing definite can be said ; but it is not improbable that it
may turn out to be merely an immature specimen of one of the larger species. Aste-
rias aurantiaca and Solaster endeca are both brought up in abundance by the trawl-
boats from Largo Bay, and on the lines further down the Firth. Solaster papposa
abounds everywhere, and in all depths of water. Rays of Luidia fragilissima are of
common occurrence on the fishing-lines from the Mar-bank; and Dr. H. has also met
with them in the trawl from Largo Bay. Uraster rubens, U. violacea, and Cribella
oculata are common on our coasts. In dredging on muddy or sandy bottoms, one of
the most common crustaceans met with in all parts of the Firth of Forth is Ste-
norhynchus phalangium. Inachus Dorsettensis is sometimes brought up on the lines |
of the deep-sea boats. Hyas araneus is frequently met with on sandy sea-beaches at
low water, as at Musselburgh, in the salmon-stake nets, where it indulges its carnivo-
rous propensities on the fish left dry by the tide. The common shore crab (Carcinus
Menas) and the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) are also very injurious to the salmon-
fisher in this way. Dr. H. had seen trout and mackerel reduced to skeletons in a very
short time; and grilse and salmon are often rendered unfit for market by an unseemly
scar, the work of these marauders. The finest specimens of Hyas araneus obtained -
by Dr. H. are from the crab-pots at Prestonpans ; some of these (males) measured a
foot from the extremity of the third limb to that of the opposite one, and were of a
bright flesh-colour. The edible crab is very particular as to the time and quality of his
meals ; he will seldom enter the crab-pots except over-night, and then only when the
fish with which they are baited is fresh. On the other hand, the Hyas as invariably
feeds during the day, and seems to prefer his food a little high. Had we the means
of observing, it is highly probable that we should find marine as well as terrestrial

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3839

animals respectively diurnal and nocturnal in their-habits. Hyas coarctatus ‘must be
common between Gullaneness and Largo, judging from the hundreds that are brought
up by the trawl; but it rarely occurs above this. Dr. H.’s observations coincide with
_ those of Mr. Bell in regard to the disparity in size between the male and female; 64
inches is not uncommon for the span of the male acoss the third pair of limbs, whereas
the largest female met with by Dr. H. had only a span of 33 inches at corresponding
parts. Eurynome aspera is probably not uncommon on mud in five or seven fathoms
off Prestonpans and Portseaton. It is very apt to be overlooked, as it is generally in-
crusted with minute Alge and mud, and in that state resembles the young of Hyas
araneus. Portumnus variegatus appears to be rare: Dr. H. found one small living
specimen on the sands between Musselburgh and Prestonpans two years ago; and
Lieutenant Thomas obtained two cast shells at Portseaton last October. Portumnus
marmoreus is occasionally thrown on the beach at Portobello and Musselburgh. Por-
tumonus pusillus is very plentiful in mud off Prestonpans. Portumnus depurator is
common everywhere. Corystes cassivelanus is believed to be frequently cast ashore at
Portubello after storms. Lithodes Maia is familiar to most of the fishermen engaged
at the mouth of the Firth; but it is probably very local, and an occupant of deep
water. Of the small Paguri, the most common and best-marked species is Pagurus
Hyndmanii; it is at once distinguished from all the others by the length of the se-
cond joint of the inferior antenne. Dr. H. found it common in from three to twelve
fathoms, off Musselburgh and Prestonpans. Along with the preceding Pagurus levis
occurs, though sparingly. Besides these, Dr. H. has two mutilated specimens, which,
however, are characteristic enough. The one appears to be Pagurus ulidianus, the
other Pagurus Forbesii of Bell. Porcellana platycheles may be found, although not
plentifully, under stones at low water, between Crail and Fife-ness; within a stone’s
cast, however, round the corner, in St. Andrew’s Bay, it abounds in great numbers: it
is also believed to be common on the Berwickshire coast. While Porcellana longicornis
is very abundant in the upper part of the Firth, it is comparatively scarce where the
former species occurs. Galathea squamifera is common under stones at low-water
mark of spring tides, on rocky coasts, as at Prestonpans, Portseaton, and Crail. It
is occasionally brought up by the dredge, but these specimens are much smaller and
lighter in colour than the littoral ones. Galathea strigosa is obtained in deep water
near the Bass, &c. Galathea nexa is frequently dredged in mud, in from three to
twelve fathoms, between Seafield and Portseaton. Munida Rondeletii must be rare
in the Firth of Forth; Dr. H. is aware of only one instance of its occurrence, namely,
to Mr. R. Gray, at Dunbar. Nephrops Norvegicus is frequently brought up by the
line-hoats from deep water; also. in the trawl from Largo Bay. Crangon vulgaris is
common on all sandy beaches; it is the only species Dr. H. has yet met with. Hippo-
lyte vulgaris is very common in pools at low water at Prestonpans, Portseaton, Crail,
&c: the variation in colour in different specimens is remarkable, and generally agrees
with the colour of the prevailing sea-weed in these pools. Sometimes it assumes the
precise hue of Laminaria or Delesseria, at others it is dark green, or light green, or
bright red, as the case may be; and the colour does not disappear at death, but re-
mains for months after. In the crab-pots at Crail Dr. H. found several specimens of
Hippolyte which apparently differ from any of the described British species. It bears
some resemblance to Hippolyte Cranchii of Leach, but has the rostrum shorter, more,
depressed, and not bidentate at the apex, as in that species. The wrist of the second
pair of limbs is composed of seven articulations instead of six: and the central plate

3840 = Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

of the tail is furnished with five pairs of teeth, instead of four, as in H. Cranchii. It
seemed a common species at Crail, and Dr. H. had since seen a specimen in Dr. Fle-
ming’s collection, obtained many years ago by him in Orkney. Mysis Chameleon is
common in pools at low water. Besides the common Talitra saltator and Gammarus
lacustris, and also, perhaps, G. campylops? whose specific distinction, however, is by
no means a good one, namely, that of having the eyes shaped like the letter S., Dr. H.
mentioned one of the carinated Gammari, agreeing with G. Sabinii of Milne-Edwards.
During the summer of 1851 he obtained many specimens of a small amphipodous crus-
tacean from the genital cavities of Cyanea purpurea, which, on examination, he found
to be the Hyperia Latreillii of Milne-Edwards, which is synonymous With the Gam-
marus Galba of Montagu, (Linn. Trans. xi.) The eyes are strikingly large, and of a
bright green colour. Of the Isopods, the most common are Ligia oceanica, Idotea
pelagica, I. tricuspidata, and I. linearis. Arcturus longicornis is brought up by the
lines of the deep-sea boats. Corophium longicorne occurs in pools at low water at
Musselburgh. The Caprelle described by Dr. Johnston in his ‘Illustrations of Bri-
tish Zoology,’ in Loudon’s Magazine for 1835, are, Caprella Phasma, C. acanthifera,
C. Pennantii, and C. linearis. Milne-Edwards aud Dr. Johnston, although giving the
same synonyme, are evidently describing different species when they refer to C. acu-
minifera of Desmarest, which is adopted by Dr. Johnston as C. acanthifera. He de-
scribes and figures it with a spine on the head, and with the terminal segments of the
body smooth. Milne-Edwards, again, gives his C. acuminifera a smooth head, but a
tuberculated body. In a specimen found by Dr. H. at Crail, which corresponds in
some respects with that species, the head has a small obtuse spine, and the last three
segments of the body are much tuberculated. The inferior antenne are strongly cili-
ated beneath. Another species met with by Dr. H., while dredging at Prestonpans,
resembles in some respects C. Phasma; but, besides having a spine above the origin
of each of the second pair of limbs, it has two larger ones placed side by side on the
dorsal aspect of that segment. The hands of the second pair of limbs have three teeth
on their under surface. Two specimens taken by Dr. H. last October had attached
themselves by their posterior limbs to an Antennularia; on gently touching them they
moved up and down rapidly, the articulation between the second and third segments
acting as a hinge-joint. In conclusion, Dr. H. mentioned four species belonging to
that curious family the Pycnogonide. The first and most common is Pycnogonum
littorale, which is plentiful under stones at low water, and also often dredged in three to |
five fathoms. The next in frequency is Nymphon femorale, or hirtum of Fabricius,
which is frequently met with on shelly ground, especially about Inch Michry. Nym-
phon gracile appears to be much scarcer than either of the preceding. On Corallina
officinalis, in a pool at Joppa rocks, Dr. H. found a specimen apparently belonging to
the genus Phoxichilidium. It differs from any of those described by Milne-Edwards
or Mr. H. Goodsir in the ‘ Edinburgh Philosophical Journal;’ its colour was exactly
that of the coralline.

Dr. John Alex. Smith next exhibited a specimen of a duck which was shot in De-
cember, 1851, near the Bass Rock, by some boatmen, who, from its unusual. appear-
ance, brought it to one of the Edinburgh bird-stuffers. Dr. Smith said he had been
puzzled to find out what it was ; but by the kind assistance of one of our celebrated
ornithologists, he learned that it was a West Indian species, — the Bahama duck, —
the Anas Bahamensis of Catesby’s ‘ Carolina,’ the Anas urophasianus of Vigors (‘Zoo-
logical Journal, iv. 337), the Dafila urophasianus of Eyton’s ‘ Duck Tribe,’ and the

Natural-History Collectors. 3841

Urophasianus Vigorsii of Beechey’s Voyage, &c.; the inference being that it had pro-
bably escaped from confinement. Dr. Smith said there were no individuals of this
species in the Zoological Gardens here, or amongst the collection at Gosford House ;

and, indeed, he was quite unable to learn of any being kept in confinement, either im-

mediately to the south or north of the Firth of Forth. He was informed that three
living specimens are at present in the collection of the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s
Park, London. The colour of the bird, Dr. Smith observed, was dark and light red-
dish brown, spotted with dark brown; the lower parts of the head and upper parts of
the neck in front pure white; speculum green, glossed with purple and edged with
black and light reddish fawn; the tail light drab, without spots, rather elongated,
shaped somewhat like a pheasant’s—whence the name; and there was a striking patch
of yellow on each side of the dusky bill.

Proceedings of Natural-History Collectors in Foreign Countries.

Mr. H. W. Bartes.* —“ Santarem, October 18, 1852.—I returned
from my Tapajos journey last week. A letter I wrote you on the Ist
of August from Aveyros (Zool. 3801) would give you some account of
my ascent of the river to that place, and my plans for exploring the
branch river Cuparé. I left Aveyros on the 2nd of August, and en-
tered the Cuparé on the following day; in this river I remained until
the 13th of September: thence I crossed over to the west bank of the
Tapajos, and worked at several points till the 21st, when I commenced
my slow journey down the river. Altogether it has been the most la-
borious excursion I have made. I had to contend with almost every
kind of difficulty and privation, even with actual hunger, from the dif-
ficulty of procuring subsistence, and, towards the last, ill health. The
two Indians I obtained with great difficulty of the Commandant of
Aveyros, gave me constant trouble and anxiety, — two lazy insolent
young lads, who at last, when I wished to ascend the river to Curé,
refused to accompany me any further. The voyage down the river to
Santarem was very difficult and perilous, in fact I do not know how
to describe it, so as to give you an adequate idea of what it is neces-
sary to undergo. At all seasons the passage is difficult, but at the
present time, the dry season, is the worst. The distance from Avey-
ros to Santarem is about 100 miles, and the breadth of the river varies
from 5 to 8 miles. The coast is studded with rocky points, between
which stretch wide shoally bays ; in some places these shoals reach
nearly half way across the river; in others, there are isolated sand-

* Communicated by Mr. S. Stevens.
XI. R

3842 Natural-History Collectors.

banks, especially off the rocky points. There is no current or tide to
aid in descending the river, and to complete the difficulty, the trade-
winds blow furiously upward from the Amazons all day, and often at
night. The slightest wind is sufficient to obstruct all progress by oar,
but the wind generally blew a gale, and sometimes a regular hurri-
cane. Three times we were near being wrecked. ‘The time for
travelling is at night, when sometimes a gentle land-breeze from the
eastern shore assists, but this is apt, towards midnight, to veer too
much towards the North. When this was the case, or when there
was no wind at all, we got along by poleing; the vessel went very well
in one fathom of water, which was generally the depth about half a
mile from the shore, and thus we were at last enabled to reach Santa-
rem in safety. In travelling at night, it was necessary to calculate
well the voyage from one harbour (of which there are several along
the coast, called by the inhabitants esperas, or waiting-places) to ano-
ther. However, I am glad to have to tell you that 1 am safe again in
a civilized town, with all my collections landed in good condition.
“The river Cuparé proved an excellent locality. The banks of the
Tapajos are too dry and sandy, and the forest too sparse for any great
abundance of insects; but the district of the Cuparé proved to be a
deep and wide valley, between the dry hilly country, the soil clayey,
and the forest very luxuriant. I reached the country of the savage
Indians, passing the last half-civilized village (called Maloca) of the
Mundurucis, and must have been near the sources of the Xinga._ I
was sorry to find no great amount of novelty among the Diurnes, 2. e.,
groups of new species of conspicuous things, which we may say make
a great change in the fauna of a country, as was the case in passing
up the Amazons to Ega. But the number of new species, one or two
of a genus of those genera frequent at Para, &c., will be great, and I
have no doubt will much please our friends. In the genus Papilio |
found nothing new, and:the usual species very rare; this was the case
generally in the Nymphalidae, but I have plenty of species new to me
in Pieris, Leptalis, Heliconia, Ithomia, Eurygona and allied genera,
Nymphidium, Calospilus, Satyride, Thecle and Hesperiade. A few
Ega species occurred, such as Papilio Pausanias, Timetes Themisto-
cles, and Margarea, two species of Cybdelis and one Arisba, but only
one or two individuals of each. There is a small but I think very good
collection of Coleoptera and other orders. I also paid much attention
to the fishes ; most of them were very curious and new to me. Of the
small kinds I preserved two or three specimens of all the species I
could get, perhaps forty species ; of the larger species I could not get

Quadrupeds.— Birds. 3843

specimens, for such was our paucity of provisions, and the insufficien-
cy of our means to take plenty of fish, that there were never any to

spare, and it would have been running the risk of mutiny to abstract
a specimen for my pickle-jars from my hungry people.

“TI made a great effort to get specimens of the hyacinthine macaw,
and engaged two hunters for some ten or twelve days. They ascended
amongst the cataracts in a small boat, and I thus obtained six tolera-
ble skins ; although the price given by ornithologists in London, will
never repay the extra expense and trouble they occasioned me. .

“I am sorry I cannot get any part of the things ready to send by
this vessel. I arrived here quite exhausted, suffering under a bilious
attack, and quite incapable of doing anything ; but now, thanks to a

course of calomel, rest, and wholesome food, am a little better.
“HH. W. Bates.”

Occurrence of the Otter in various Localities—In the ‘ Nottingham Journal’ for
the 25th of February, 1853, it is stated that “An otter of about 30 Ibs. weight was
shot at Barrow-on-Soar, Leicestershire, on Saturday last.” There has also been one
seen about Colwick Hall, Nottingham, this winter. A few years ago an otter was
shot at Beeston Weir, by the present Sir Robert Clifton, who saw it come out of the
water as he was lying in wait for ducks in the dusk of the evening. Traces of otters
are still occasionally seen on the river Derwent, between Matlock and Derby; but the
animals must be in extremely small numbers. An otter was caught in a landing-net
some months ago in the Thames, a short distance below Windsor Bridge. There are
still a few of them in the slow-running feeders of the the Thames in Berkshire.— £d-
ward Wolley ; Beeston, February 25, 1853.

Additions to the List of Birds of Orkney and Zetland.—In addition to our list of
birds printed in 1848, besides the occurrence of several rare species, we have to add
the following, as novelties: — Tengmalm’s owl, (Noctua Tengmalmi); the common
whitethroat, (Curruca cinerea); Bohemian waxwing, (Bombycilla garrula) ; and spot-
ted redshank, (Totanus fuscus).— Wm. Balfour Baikie,M.D.; Haslar Hospital, March
2, 1853. i

Occurrence of the Collared Pratincole (Glareola torquata) in Weltshire. — I have
great pleasure in recording the occurrence of that rare visitor to this country, the col-
lared pratincole, which pleasure is considerably enhanced by the circumstance of its
being shot in my own county, and of its finding its way into my collection, through the
kindness of the gentleman who killed it. It appears that in the middle of November
last, when Mr. Hussey, a farmer, of Tilshead, was walking over his land, the day being
very rough and cold, the wind blowing from the East, he saw a strange bird descend
near him with the velocity of lightning, and settle inside a sheep-fuld among the sheep.

3844 Birds.

As Mr. Hussey chanced very fortunately to be an observer of birds, he immediately
remarked that this was one he had never seen before, and pointed it out to his shep-
herd, who was with him, desiring him to watch the bird well while he returned to his
home, at the distance of a mile, for his gun. Before he went, however, he saw the
bird suddenly rise from the ground, and after a short flight of the most marvellous ve-
locity, return again to the fold, where it seemed to enjoy the shelter from the bleak
East wind, and to care nothing for the presence of the sheep, the men, and the dogs.
This short excursionary flight was renewed several times, which made Mr. Hussey
hesitate whether he should take the trouble to return home on so remote a chance of
still finding on his return so singularly restless and swift a bird; however, as the bird
always came back to the same spot after each successive excursion, Mr. Hussey hesi-
tated no longer, but hurried home for his gun, giving strict charge to the shepherd to
keep quiet, and on no account to lose sight of the bird. | Now the shepherds of Salis-
bury Plain (in the midst of the bleakest part of which the parish of Tilshead lies) are
not remarkable for their sharpness, indeed, I fear we must own them to be the perfec-
tion of all that is dull, heavy, and ignorant; no wonder, then, that a bird so very rapid
in its movements as the collared pratincole should soon elude the slow gaze of the
heavy-eyed Argus, and that on Mr. Hussey’s return, in answer to his inquiries as to
the whereabouts of the strange bird, he should be met with the provoking reply, —
“ Doant knaw, zur, he flee’d away so terrible sudden that I could’n zee ’en nowhere,
I could’n: I never zee sech a bird to flee.” Upon this, it may be supposed that Mr.
Hussey walked on somewhat disappointed, when, ina moment, at the distance of about
30 yards, up sprang the bird, and was darting off at a prodigious rate, but a well-aimed
shot laid it dead on the ground. On picking it up, the long wings and forked tail
caused Mr. Hussey and others to suppose it to belong to the swallow tribe, and the
dull-eyed shepherd, seeing no brilliant hues in the dead bird, as if to excuse his slow-
ness, exclaimed with a sneer of contempt, “ Well, zur, taint much of a bird, arter all,
I’m zure!” In addition to the above narrative, Mr. Hussey tells me that “ the land
on which I found the bird, was of a stiff clay soil. I shot it close to the sheep-fold,
where there were sheep feeding off turnips; the bird appeared to be rather tame, but
whether from exhaustion or nature I cannot tell.” I have already remarked that Tils-
head lies in the middle of Salisbury Plain, and a more bleak, exposed situation can
scarcely he imagined. The village is long and straggling, and all around it are large
tracts of open down, now in a great measure brought into cultivation, but formerly a
vast expanse of unbroken turf. Here, it is well known, the great bustard had a strong-
hold, where he was chased with greyhounds, and afforded admirable sport to the Wilt-
shire squires of that day; and here may still be found many of the family Charadriada,
—the golden plover, and the dotterel, as well as the commoner peewit ; so that the si-
tuation is just such as seems fitted to the habits of the pratincole, and yet this is (I
believe) the first instance known of the occurrence of that bird in Wiltshire. Seldom
indeed does this singular bird appear to have visited our island; in addition to the few
captures recorded in Yarrell’s ‘ British Birds, the last of which was in 1840, I believe
it has but twice been observed, and both these occurrences were in the northern coun-
ties. It is singular, too, that while every record of the date of its capture has pointed
to the summer as the time chosen for its visit (the months of May and August being
the only ones on which it has been seen), the individual of which I am writing chose a
cold raw day in the middle of November, to make its appearance during an East wind,
on one of the most exposed parts of the bleak Wiltshire downs. I believe I have

Fishes. 3845—

nothing more to add to this account, except that my bird scarcely deserves the name of
“torquata,” his collar being very indistinctly marked; the position of it however is
clearly seen by the dark brown spots which almost encircle his pale fawn-coloured
throat; hence I conclude, from Mr. Yarrell’s description, that mine is a bird of the
year.— Alfred Charles Smith ; Yatesbury Rectory, Calne, March 7, 1853.

Occurrence of the Fire-crested Regulus (Regulus ignicapillus) near Penzance. — A
day or two since another adult male specimen of the fire-crested Regulus was obtained
from Lariggan Valley, near this town, the locality whence nerly all the examples I have
reported to you have been obtained.— Edward Hearle Rodd; Penzance, Feb. 23, 1853.

The Apteryx in Britain. — As the Apteryx is confined to a very limited region on
the opposite side of our planet, not aquatic in its habits, totally incapable of flight, and
consequently one of the last birds likely to be met with in Britain ; I think the read-
ers of the ‘ Zoologist’ would feel obliged to Mr. Spode, if he would favour them with
a more detailed account of the occurrence of this bird, which, in his communication of
January 28 (Zool. 3815), he merely states was shot on a marsh in Anglesea “ some
three or four years ago.” It would be interesting to know as much of its habits as the
person who shot it observed; at what time of the day, and at what season of the year
it was obtained; what condition it was in; aud what vessels (if any) were wrecked in
the neighbourhood at the time. It is highly improbable that any one who would be
at the trouble of bringing a bird so very difficult.to cater for during a long voyage all
the way from New Zealand, would, after all his pains, turn it adrift in North Wales ;
and in the event of a wreck, the Apteryx seems one of the last creatures likely to es-
cape. Without some of these particulars, I fear it will prove as difficult for the read-
ers of the ‘ Zoologist’ to account for the presence of the Apteryx in Anglesea, as it
would be for the physiologist to explain the growth of Mr. Pickard-Cambridge’s spider
(Zool. 3766) which, that gentleman tells us, increased to at least ten times its original
bulk “without material sustenance.” — Edmund Browne ; 10, Bedford St., Bedford
Row, February 22, 1853.

Catalogue of the Fishes of Orkney and Zetland.
By Wixuiam Batrour Batkig, Esq., M.D.

Order I.-— PLAGIosTomt.
Sub-order 1.—Razine.
Raiide.

Thorn-back, Raia clavata. Very abundant.
Sharp-nosed Skate, Rata oxyrhynchus. Not uncommon.
Skate, Rata Batis. Abundant.

Sub-order 2.— Squaline.
Squatinide.
Angel Fish, Squatina Angelus. Rare.

3846 Fishes.

Scymnide.

Greenland Shark, Scymnus borealis. One specimen in Zetland.
Alopide.

Fox Shark, Alopias Vulpes. Not common.

Lamnide.

Porbeagle, Lamna Cornubica. Not rare.
Basking Shark, Selachus maximus. Rare.

Squalide.

Blue Shark, Carcharias glaucus. Not unfrequent.
White Shark, Carcharias vulgaris. Doubtful; on Low’s authority.

Galeide.

Smooth Hound, Mustelus levis. Occasionally met with.
Scyllide.

_ Small-spotted Dog-fish, Scyllium canicula. Very common.
Large-spotted Dog-fish, Scyllium catulus. Rare.

Spinacide.
Piked Dog-fish, Acanthias vulgaris. Very abundant.
Order I].— HoLocEpHatt.

Chimeride.

Northern Chimera, Chimera monstrosa. Hitherto obtained only
in Zetland.

Order III.— GANoIDEI.
Sub-order.—Chondrostet.

Acipenseride.
Sturgeon, Acipenser Sturio. Mentioned on Low’s authority ; no
specimen of late years.
Order [1V.— LoPHOBRANCHII.

Syngnathide.

Great Pipe-fish, Syngnathus acus. Common.
Deep-nosed Pipe-fish, Syngnathus Typhle. Rare.

Fishes. 3847

Aiquoreal Pipe-fish, Syngnathus equoreus. Not rare.
Snake Pipe-fish, Syngnathus anguineus. Not uncommon.
Worm Pipe-fish, Syngnathus lumbriciformis. Common.

Hippocampide.

Short-nosed Hippocampus, Hippocampus brevirostris. One dead
specimen obtained.

Order V.—PLECTOGNATHI.

Gymnodontide.

Pennant’s Globe-fish, Tetrodon Pennantit. Very rare. Two spe-
cimens have occurred in Orkney. |

Short Sun-fish, Orthagoriscus mola. Has been obtained on two or
three occasions. 3

Oblong Sun-fish, Orthagoriscus oblongus. One specimen obtained
in Orkney.

Balistide.

European File-fish, Balistes capriscus. One specimen obtained in
North Ronaldsey, about 1827 or 1828, is at present in the possession
of William Traill, Esq., of Woodwick.

Wma. Batrour Batrkxig.
Haslar Hospital, Gosport, March 2, 1853.

(To be continued.)

Occurrence of Herrings in the Lakes of Killarney.— At a meeting of the Dublin
Natural History Society on the 11th of January, 1853, Mr. Ffennell, Inspecting Com-
missioner of Fisheries, said that in one of his tours of duty, when inspecting the sal-
taon-fisheries in the neighbourhood of Killarney, he was much surprised to find taken
in the sa]mon-nets what he at the time considered to be the pollan. He had, ata
meeting of the Society last session, mentioned several widely situated localities where
pollan had been met with in this country, and he was therefore pleased at being able
to trace their existence still further. This was in the month of May last. The mat-
ter escaped his further attention, until Mr. Mulvanny, Commissioner, accidentally saw
the specimens that he (Mr. Ffennell) had obtained and preserved in spirits, and at
once pronounced them to be the true herring, identical with those taken on this coast,
Noticing at the same time the absence of the fatty dorsal fin which characterized the
pollan and the trout species. A fact so interesting led Mr. Ffennell to make more full
inquiries, and he found that the herring abounded at seasons in the lakes at Killarney,
and that they could be taken in numbers. Although very frequently taken in the sal-
mon-nets, the fishermen, by whom whom they were known as and called “ goureens,”

3848 Reptiles.

did not seek them. The specimens exhibited by Mr. Ffennell were taken in the Lower
Lake of Killarney, fourteen miles from the head of the tide-way. According to the
seasons, if the fishermen used proper means of capture, he thought that herrings might
be taken there in abundance. Mr. Andrews remarked that he could not but receive
with astouishment such a statement. He was aware that many singular habits of
fish had been noticed ; the mullet and the cod-fish have been recorded as living in
fresh water, and the finest soles have been taken in the Arun river, miles above the
tide-way, and where they breed and remain throughout the year. Nilsson states in-
stances of the salmon remaining permanently in fresh water, for it is known that it
winters in the interior Swedish lakes, Wenern and Silgern, from whence it ascends
the rivers at the close of the spring, without entering the salt water at all. Could the
Clupea harenga be proved to be in such numbers in Killarney, it would be of vast im-
portance, to that district. Jolters brought them from the coast to Killarney and other
inland places. Too frequently the uncertainty of taking herrings, and the storminess
of the weather, made them scarce and dear. Mr. Andrews was aware that the Alosa
had been met with in the rivers in Kerry, but it was difficult, in the young state, to
detect well the differences between A. communis and A. finta. They were frequent in
some of the rivers in England, and abundant in the northern lakes ,and rivers of Eu-
rope. Alosa finta spawned in fresh water in May. — From the Report in ‘ Saunders's
News-Letter, February 18, 1853.

Occurrence of Pennant’s Globe-fish (Tetrodon Pennantii) near Ardmore, Co. Wa-
terford.—My communication [to the Dublin Natural History Society] dated Ardmore,
Co. Waterford, Sept. 28, 1852, was to the following purport. I am anxious to place
on record the occurrence of Tetrodon Pennantii, a fine specimen of which was washed
ashore here on Sunday, the 26th instant, after a smart North-easterly gale. It was
dead when found. This makes the third specimen which has been taken on the Irish
coast, and it differs from Pennant’s description, both in the colour of its spines, and in
the fact of its having a double row of dark spots extending from the snout, backwards
over the eyes, and ending by curving downwards in front of the branchial openings.
These spots, when the skin dried, became elevated and rough to the touch. The ad-
measurements of this fish were as follow : — From the mouth to the extremity of the
caudal fin, 21 inches: from the commencement of the spines beneath the lower jaw
to the vent, 13 inches: circumference round the moderately dilated pouch, 33 inches.
The fin-notation was : — Caudal, 7: dorsal, 12: anal, 12: pectoral, 14. The colour
of the fish was a most brilliant ultra-marine blue on the back ; the belly silvery; pouch
gray, covered with white spines, each arising from four roots ; the spines extended
from beneath the lower jaw to the vent. The irides were gray, with white spots. In
other respects the fish agreed with Mr. Yarrell’s description. After it was preserved,
the colours faded considerably, especially that on the back. — Hdward H. Sargint ;
19, Bolton Street, Dublin, February 18, 1853.

Note on Frogs and Toads inclosed in Stones.—During the summer of 1846, in the
formation of a railroad, about half a mile from Pontefract, in Yorkshire, the works
were carried a “depth of four feet through a rock betwixt lime and sandstone, about
the junction of the two formations ;” the rock being so firm as to require blasting. “ It _
is entirely free from beds of any kind, or what the workmen term ‘backs’ running up

Reptiles. 3849

it,” but therein are “an infinite number of small nodules of a harder quality, entirely
crystallized in the interior.” After blasting, the labourers were much surprised to find
_ among the fragments several of these nodules, each one containing a frog, as many as
seven having been cuunted after one “shot.” These were not casually seen when ex-
posed, and then disregarded, but were examined in their stone prisons through very
minute holes, some even preserved in that state for a long period. For example, the
relator states of one specimen, “I kept this toad in a cellar for about five months, dur-
ing which time it ate nothing, and was without light, the hole in the stone being co-
vered with a piece of clay, and the whole kept moist and cool with water.” Of another
he says, “ The frog lived only about a week, as I kept it in a place which I think was
too warm for it, and also not sufficiently dark and quiet. When the frogs were dis-
turbed by the shots, their first desire seemed to be to get under shelter of some stone,
or into their old holes again, showing thereby that sight was not wanting, and bodily
activity was perfect as far as could be seen. One thing struck meas singular with re-
gard to the frog I kept, its fresh, plump, and healthy appearance, its skin being soft
and transparent. One day when I was holding my finger over the hole in the stone,
it pushed its head between my finger and the sides of the hole, and drew its whole
body after it on to the table, where it appeared more like a skeleton than any living
animal I have ever seen, but by degrees it extended itself to its former dimensions.”
Of the above curious occurrence my only knowledge is derived from the account, writ-
ten to a distant friend, of which the substance has now been extracted. The writer is
an utter stranger, but he was officially employed in the operations which resulted in
the discoveries; and my information leads me to believe his report deserving of confi-
dence, for which reason I have not hesitated to offer this abstract for publication in
the ‘ Zoologist.’ Since the above narrative was submitted to my perusal, and before I
received permission to make this communication, I have read Mr. Plant's notice (Zool.
3808) repudiating the credibility of “ these marvellous relations.” Without expressing
an opinion whether or not the Chesterfield quarry-men he mentions desired to impose
upon him, it may be suggested, that the failing to meet with a confessedly great rarity
within a given (and comparatively short) space of time, no more proves the non-ex-
istence of that rarity, than the innocence of a culprit was established by his asserting,
when sundry witnesses affirmed they saw him commit the offence he was accused of,
that he could produce ten times the number, who would swear they did not see him.
—Arthur Hussey ; Rottingdean, March 15, 1853.

[Having ever warmly advocated inquiries of this kind, and strenuously opposed all
attempts to quash such inquiries by the statement that the phenomena were contrary
to what ought to be the proceeding of Nature; I am bound, not merely by courtesy
and fairness, but by consistency, to give every encouragement to the expression of
opinion on this and every other moot question, and shall be very glad to receive and
publish any communication on the subject: at the same time I must beg correspon-
dents to make their communications as precise as possible. In almost every statement
I have yet seen on this subject, there is an absence of that exactitude which ought
always to accompany records of phenomena that are liable to be controverted. — Ed-
ward Newman. |

Note on Large Snakes. — Seeing in your last number (Zool. 3809) a note from Mr.
Pickard-Cambridge, giving the dimensions of a snake’s skin, 4 feet. 2 inches long,
which he recorded for its large size, I beg to state that in two instances snakes ex-
ceeding 4 feet in length have come under my observation: both occurred here. The

XI. S

3850 Notices of New Books.

first was captured by my brother, a few years ago, to add to a collection of live snakes
which we kept in a cask and tried to tame. This specimen exceeded 4 feet in length
by an inch or two, but I cannot distinctly remember by how many inches. On being
caught, it struck my brother’s hand, and inflicted a wound which bled freely. This is
the only case in which I have seen the bite of the common snake bring blood; and
this snake, though we tried him, never struck again with the same force. The second
instance of a large snake was a recently killed one, which I found the year before last
while out butterfly-catching. This snake, from its size, I was induced to measure on
the handle of my butterfly-net, and found that it must have been about 4 feet 1 inch
long. Doubtless snakes of this large size are of very rare occurrence. The largest
viper I remember to have measured was exactly 2 feet 1 inch in length. — William
Henry Hawker ; Ashford Lodge, near Petersfield, Hants, March 15, 1853.

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.
“A Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica. By Puirtip Henry Gosse,
A.L.8., &c.; assisted by RicHarpD HILL, Esq. London: Long-
mans. 1853.

““NaTuRAL History is far too much a science of dead things; a
necrology. It is mainly conversant with dry skins furred or feathered,
blackened, shrivelled, and hay-stuffed ; with objects, some admirably
beautiful, some hideously ugly, impaled on pins, and arranged in rows
in cork drawers ; with uncouth forms, disgusting to sight and smell,
bleached and shrunken, suspended by threads and immersed in spirit
(in defiance of the aphorism, that ‘he who is born to be hanged will
never be drowned’) in glass bottles. These distorted things are de-
scribed; their scales, plates, feathers counted; their forms copied, all
shrivelled and stiffened as they are; their colours, changed and modi- -
fied by death or partial decay, carefully set down; their limbs, mem-
bers, and organs measured, and the results recorded in thousandths of
an inch ; two names are given to every one; the whole is enveloped
in a mystic cloud of Greco-Latino-English phraseology (often barba-
ric enough),—and this is Natural History! Of the hundred thousand
animals which are considered as ‘known to naturalists,’ it is probably
much within the mark to assert that ninety thousand are ‘known’ only
in such sort as is described above. What should we think if the
world were to collect from Egypt the tens of thousands of mummies
that are said to be entombed in the mighty catacombs of that coun-
try, and having placed them in museums should appoint learned men
minutely to measure their differing features and limbs, to describe

Notices of New Books. 3851

their appearance with exactitude, and to depict their portraits in all
the leathery blackness of their physiognomy; then to give each a
‘name and record the whole in a book, — what should we think if the
world would call this Egyptian History ?

“Tt is manifest that there is not an iota of History in either the one

or the other. For History is the record of the actions of men, their
relations to other men, the circumstances in which they acted, their
characters, the influence of their lives upon society, their connexion
with the times preceding and following their own, and other points of
interest, not one of which could be gathered from a description of
their dead and preserved bodies, though ever so exact and minute. So,
that alone is worthy to be called Natural History, which investigates and
records the condition of living things—of things in a state of nature ;
if animals, of living animals : — which tells of their ‘ sayings and do-
ings, their varied notes and utterances, songs and cries; their actions,
in ease and under the pressure of circumstances ; their affections and
passions, towards their young, towards each other, towards other ani-
mals, towards man; their various arts and devices, to protect their
progeny, to procure food, to escape from their enemies, to defend
themselves from attack ; their ingenious resources for concealment ;
their stratagems to overcome their victims; their modes of bringing
forth, of feeding, and of training their offspring ; the relations of their
structure to their wants and habits; the countries in which they dwell ;
their connexion with the inanimate world around them, mountain or
plain, forest or field, barren heath or bushy dell, open savanna or wild
hidden glen, river, lake, or sea: —this would be indeed Zoology, 2.e.,
the science of diving creatures. And if we have their portraits, let us
have them drawn from the life, while the bright eyes are glancing, and
_ the flexible features express the emotion of the mind within, and the
hues, so often fleeting and evanescent, exist in their unchanged reality,
and the attitudes are full of the elegance and grace that free, wild na-
ture assumes.”—Preface, p. v.

To these observations we most cordially say Amen! They are after
our own heart; they advocate that very system of observation which
we have ever advocated ; they go far to hold up Natural History in a
more attractive form than usual, — to place it in a better light than
usual ; they recall to our minds the labours of Gilbert White ; they
breathe the very essence of that spirit in which the idea of the ‘ Zoo-
logist’ was conceived, and in which it has been our unceasing wish to
conduct it. Honour be to Mr. Gosse for his sentiments; and honour
be to him for this promise of amending Natural History: honour be

3852 Notices of New Books.

to him also for the manner in which his promise has been kept. His
* Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica’ is a capital book ; a book full of
amusing instruction ; a book which we cordially commend to every
lover of Nature. Here are a few extracts from its truly pleasant pages.

Pelicans. — “ Many little flat kays, as such islets are called, lay
around, among which our tortuous course led us ; scarcely more than
the flat tops of coral rocks, almost level with the sea, on which sand
and shells had been accumulated by the waves; yet pleasant to look
on, because covered with low bushes of a refreshing greenness. On
their snowy beaches, where the gentle ripple was sparkling, or perched
on the irregular blocks of black rock, that lay half covered with the
tide, sat many pelicans, preening their plumage, and dashing the wa-
ter over their wings, or lazily resting after their morning’s fishing ex-
cursion. Some sat sleepily on the sea, their forms reflected from its
bosom, inert and motionless, except for the alternate rise and fall
which were produced by the undulation of the ground swell.”—p. 22.

The Painted Swift-foot.—“ About the rocks in the vicinity of
Black River, I noticed many specimens of this beautiful crab (Grapsus
tenuicrustatus). Its form is remarkably flat, as are also the legs, and
particularly the thighs, which pack one on the other in a very curious
manner: the hue is a chaste warm gray, marked with transverse zig-
zag black lines, somewhat like writing. It is difficult to capture, for
it is very wary, and its swiftness of foot is amazing: it darts from side
to side over the rough surfaces of the rocks, with a rapidity that is
much more like flying than running ; not in a continuous course, but
fitfully and irregularly, now shooting hither, now thither, and remain-
ing still for momentary intervals between, watching for the intruder.
What is remarkable is, that it does not matter whether the rock upon
which it runs so swiftly be horizontal or perpendicular, nor whether |
its back or its belly be uppermost; it shoots round the projecting
ledges, and darts about on their under sides, with as perfect security
and ease as on the broad flat top of the rock. Does not this indicate
a delicate sense of touch in the tips of its shelly feet ?”"—p. 34.

Pelicans and Man-of-war Birds ——*“ In the smooth water in-shore,
that accurately reflected the outline of the land, long strings of peli-
cans were alternately plunging after their prey, and sailing on heavy
flagging wing; and far, far overhead, like black specks against the
bright sky, a flock of man-of-war birds were placidly floating ; resting,
if | may be allowed the term, in the lofty air, after their morning meal
upon the flying-fish in the offing.”—p. 36.

Notices of New Books. 3853

The Soldier Crab.—‘“ Among the loose pebbles that formed the sur-
face of this hill wherever the huge out-cropping masses of rock did
not appear, and that added to the difficulties of penetrating the maze,
were many large shells. The first of these that I saw was a large round
brown snail (Helix Jamaicensis), and as its exterior was very fresh, I
thought I had a prize; but on taking it up, I saw the large claw of a
hermit crab, red and tuberculous, closing up the orifice, which it exact-
ly fitted. The negroes call these crabs soldiers, perhaps from their red
hue. Afterwards I saw other specimens, and some of a large Trochus
(Meleagris picus) with pearly interior, as well as a capacious Ampul-
laria, inhabited by the same species. It crawls irregularly, but quick-
ly, making its shell rattle against the pebbles as it proceeds; but if
alarmed, it instantly withdraws into its house, and bringing its strong
legs around its head in the form of a semicircle, claps its great claw
upon the whole, presenting, as I have said above, nothing but a hard,
shelly, prickly, convex surface, within the margin of the house, so
accurately filling the aperture, and so strongly held down, that it is
impossible to extract the animal alive without breaking the shell to
fragments. Yet the wary soldier is ready for fight: while I was hold-
ing one in my hand, the rogue protruded his claw, and seizing the skin
of my palm, fairly took the piece out.

“The species was the well-known Ccenobita Diogenes, and, as I
afterwards found, abundantly common in the woods near the coast. I
even found it numerous, inhabiting the shell of the same large Helix,
far up on the side of the mountains, behind Blue-fields, in the driest
and most rocky situations. Sir H.dela Beche found it inhabiting sea-
shells, near the Rio Minho, ten miles from the sea. It is evident that
the active little creatures must have crawled the whole distance, and
as the Helix is found in a living state only in the woods, and as far as
I know, only in the mountains, it follows that the soldiers must have
travelled up the country in their sea-side shells, until they came to the
region of the Helix, and there have changed their houses, and brought
the latter down towards the sea on their return. Many of the Helix
shells were so pearly in the interior, and so bright and fresh on the
exterior, as to show that they could not have long lain exposed to the
weather since tenanted by the original proprietor. This suggests the
inquiry, whether in any case the Ccenobita destroys the snail to obtain
his shell for a dwelling.”—p. 44.

Long-tailed Humming-bird. — “ While I was up in the calibash
tree, engaged in detaching the bunches of Oncidium, the beautiful
long-tailed humming-bird (77rochilus polytmus) came shooting by with

3854 Notices of New Books.

its two long velvet-black feathers fluttering like streamers behind it,
and began to suck at the blossoms of the tree in which I was. Quite
regardless of my presence, consciously secure in its power of wing,
the lovely little gem hovered around the trunk, and threaded the
branches, now probing here, now there, its cloudy wings on each side
vibrating with a noise like that of a spinning-wheel, and its emerald
breast for a moment flashing brilliantly in the sun’s ray ; then appa-
rently black, all the light being absorbed; then, as it slightly turned,
becoming a dark olive; then in an instant blazing forth again with
emerald effulgence. Several times it came close to me, as I sat mo-
tionless with delight, and holding my breath for fear of alarming it,
and driving it away; it seemed almost worth a voyage across the sea
to behold so radiant a creature in all the wildness of its native free-
dom.”—p. 48.

Calling Crabs.— “ A small stream running through a fetid morass
crosses the road about half a mile from Blue-fields, and has deposited
a broad flat bank of mud at its mouth, which is uncovered at low wa-
ter. At this time it is seen to be pierced with innumerable little holes ;
and hundreds of a tiny calling crab (Gelasimus vocans) are running
over its surface, the males of which hold up their enormous claw in
front, as if in defiance.

“‘ At the approach of an intruder, every one hastens into his burrow,
and in a moment the muddy bank, that was alive with the moving
atoms, is perfectly still; except that a dull-coloured but agile beetle
(Cicindela Guadalupensis) is flitting about and alighting upon it. The
little crabs are very swift and wary, so that it is difficult to capture
them, except by making a sudden rush from a distance among them.”
—p. 90.

Glow Flies. — “1 will now speak of our other luminous insect, the _
glow-fly, (Pyrophorus noctilucus). From February to the middle of
summer, this beetle is common in the low lands, and at moderate ele-
vations. Lacordaire’s account of the luminosity of this Elater (known
to me, however, only by the citation in Kirby and Spence’s ‘ Introduc-
tion to Entomology,’ ii. 333, 6th edit.) differs so greatly from the phe-
nomena presented by our Jamaica specimens, that J cannot help con-
cluding that he has described an allied but very distinct species, and
I feel justified therefore in recording what I have myself observed.
The light from the two oval tubercles on the dorsal surface of the tho-
rax is very visible even in broad daylight. When the insect is undis-
turbed, these spots are generally quite opaque, of a dull white hue,
but, on being handled, they ignite, not suddenly, but gradually, the

Notices of New Books. 3855

centre of each tubercle first showing a point of light, which in a mo-

_ ment spreads to the circumference, and increases in intensity until it
blazes with a lustre almost dazzling. The colour of the thoracic light
is a rich yellow-green. Ina dark room, pitch dark, this insect gives
so much illumination as to cast a definite shadow of any object on the
opposite wall, and when held two inches from a book, the whole line
may be read without moving it. The under part of the thorax has a
singular appearance when the tubercles are fully lighted up, for the
horny coat of skin being somewhat pellucid, displays the light within
redly and dimly, as if the whole thorax were red hot, particularly at
the edges, immediately beneath the tubercles. | When left alone, the
insect soon relapses into stillness, and the tubercles presently fade into
darkness, either total, or redeemed only by a spark scarcely perceptible.
“1 had been familiar with this glow-fly for some weeks, and had
made the above observations on it, without being aware that it pos-
sessed any other source of light than the thoracic tubercles. I had
indeed remarked that when flying at liberty the light which it diffused
was of a rich ruddy glow, and yet these individual insects, if cap-
tured and held in the hand, showed only a green light. I much
wondered at this, but knew not how to account for it, until a friend
explained it, illustrating his remarks by experiment. On the ventral
surface, when the abdomen is extended, there is seen between its first
segment and the metathorax, an oval transverse space, covered with
thin membrane, which glows with orange-coloured light, totally con-
cealed, however, when the abdomen is relaxed, by the over-lapping of
the metathorax. When the insect is placed on,its back, it throws it-
self into the air like other Elaters; but if it be made to repeat this
many times it appears to become weary, and endeavours to raise it-
self by bending the head and the abdomen back, so as to rest on the
extremities, in hope to roll over. It is when thus recurved that the
abdominal light suddenly appears, the oval space being uncovered.
When held in the hand, the same effect is produced by forcibly bend-
ing back the abdomen with the fingers; but this is not very easy of ac-
complishment, on account of the resistance of the closed elytra; but
if these be held open with one hand, and the abdomen recurved with
the other, it is readily shown. As the open space, then, can be ex-
posed only when the elytra are expanded, the reason is manifest why
the red light is never displayed by the insect when walking or resting;
the green thoracic light, on the other hand, may be displayed at any
time; it is however very rarely shown during flight. On one occasion
two or three glow-flies, having entered the sitting-room in the even-

3856 Notices of New Books.

ing, gave out the red light most brilliantly as they flew round near the
ceiling, the spectators being beneath them; one of these, being alarm-
ed by my efforts to capture it, gave out the thoracic light also very
brightly ; and the mingling of the green and red light in the evolu-
tions of flight produced an effect indescribably beautiful.

“That the thoracic light is subject to the will of the insect is indu-
bitable ; but whether the same can be predicated of the abdominal
light I am not assured. During flight it is every second intermitted,
as far as the observer can detect; but its appearance or disappearance
may depend upon whether the dorsal or ventral surface is presented
to the eye. This is when, soon after dark, the insect is sweeping in
rapid, headlong, irregular curves over the fields or along the edges of
the forest, when the appearance resembles that of a stick with the
end on fire (but not in flame) carried or whirled along by one running
swiftly, quenched suddenly after a course of a dozen yards, to appear
again at asimilar distance. When slowly flying over the grass, the
progress of one may often be traced by the red glare on the ground
beneath ; a space of about a yard square being brightly illuminated,
when no light at all reaches the spectator’s eye from the body of the
insect.”—p. 106.

The Venus Lizard. — “* One day in February, having ascended the
ridge with a companion, my attention was arrested by a lizard about a
foot long, and of a lively green colour, on the trunk of a small tree,
head downward, intently watching our motions as we stood near. My
young friend suggested the possibility of capturing it by slipping a
noose over its head, while its attention was engaged by whistling. I
laughingly proceeded to try the spell, and having made a noose of
small twine, which I tied to the end of a switch, I gently walked to-
wards him, whistling a lively tune. To my astonishment, he allowed |
me to slip the noose over his head, merely glancing his bright eye at
the string as it passed. I jerked the switch, the music ceased, and
the green-coated forester was sprawling in the air, dangling, greatly to
his annoyance, at the end of my string. He was very savage, biting
at everything near; presently his colour began to change from green
to blackish, till it was of an uniform bluish black, with darker bands
on the body, and a brownish black on the tail; the only trace of green
was just around the eyes. I carefully secured without injuring him,
and brought him home in the collecting-basket, into which I had no
sooner put him, than he fiercely seized a piece of linen in his teeth,
and would not let it go for several hours. I transferred him to a wired
cage, linen and all, and at length he suddenly let go his hold, and

Notices of New Books. 3857

_ flew wildly about the cage, biting at anything presented to him. At
_ night I observed him vividly green, as at first; a token, as I presumed,
_ that he had in some measure recovered his equanimity. The next day
he continued very fierce. I hung the cage out in the sun; two or
three times in the course of the day I observed him green, but for the
most part he was black. The changes were rather quickly accom-
plished..

“‘ After he had been in my possession about four days, I observed
him one morning sloughing his skin; the delicate epidermis, loosened
from the body and legs, looked like a garment of thin white muslin,
split irregularly down the legs and toes, and separated from that of
the tail, on which the integument yet adhered unbroken. Through-
out the day the loosened skin hung about the animal, though more
and more loosely. He had not abated a whit of his fierceness ; leap-
ing at a stick pointed at him, and seizing it forcibly with his teeth.

** Another individual, caught in the same locality, and by the same
device, I introduced into the cage of the former, who did not offer any
molestation to the intruder. After they had remained in my posses-
sion, the one about six weeks, the other about four, they both died,
almost on the same day, and both in the process of sloughing. In this
operation the skin appears to be first separated from the head ; for in
one of these it was perfectly loose from the whole head, and was re-
movable in one piece, but to the neck and entire body it still adhered
by organic union. TI suspect that the sloughing of the skin is, at least
sometimes, the result of universal excitement. All that I had taken
alive; and caged (amounting to many individuals), after the most
violent behaviour at first, soon sloughed ; usually the very next day.
The food of this lizard appears to include both vegetable and animal
substances. I was never able to induce one to eat in captivity ; but
the dissection of several has given me this result. Thus in one I
found hard seeds and farinaceous substance; in another the fragments
of a brilliant Curculionideous beetle, and other insects. I once ob-
served a large one on the summit of the mountain, deliberately eating
the ripe glass-eye berries, munching half of one away at a mouthful.
It would require no great warmth of imagination to identify these
sunny, spicy, pomiferous groves with the golden-fruited gardens of
the Hesperides, and this fierce, sinister, saw-crested lizard, with the
watchful dragon that guarded them. If I had the naming of him, I
would call him Ladon.”—p. 148.

(To be continued).

3858 Notices of New Books.

‘ The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 63, dated
March, 1858.

THE communications to this number are intituled : —

‘Descriptions of some of the larger forms of Fossilized Foraminifera
in Scinde ; with Observations on their Structure.’ By H. J. Carter,
Ksq., Assistant Surgeon, Bombay Establishment.

‘Further Notes on British Zoophytes, with Descriptions of New
Species. By the Rev. Thomas Hincks, B.A.

‘Observations on the genus Schwenkia.’ By John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.L.S.

‘ Observations on Relative Position ; including a new Arrangement .
of Phanerogamous Plants: — Part II. On the Position of Carpels.’
By B. Clarke, F.L.S., &e.

‘Note on the Gryphea of the bed called Gryphite Grit in the Cottes-
wolds.’ By John Lycett, Esq.

‘On two new Subgenera of Calanide.’ By John Lubbock, Esq.,
F.Z.S.

‘On the Germination of the Resting Spores, and on a form ofMov-
ing Spores in Spirogyra.’ By Dr. W. Pringsheim. [‘Translated from
the ‘ Flora’ of August 14 and 21, 1852, by Arthur Henfrey. |]

‘ Revision of the Families of Nudibranch Mollusks, with the De-
scription of a new Genus of Phyllidiade.’ By J. EK. Gray, Ph.D.,
PBS .,.V.P.Z28., &c.

‘ Additional Notice of the Genus Tancredia, Lycett, Hettangia,
Turquem. By John Lycett, Esq.

‘Rambles in Ceylon.’ By Edgar Leopold Layard, Esq.

Bibliographical Notice:—Macgillivray’s ‘History of British Birds.’

Proceedings of Learned Societies: — Professor Owen on the Ana-
tomy of the Wart Hog. Mr. E. Newman on some Species of Disti-
chocera.

Miscellaneous : — Notice of a Binocular Microscope ; by J. L.
Riddell. On the Genus Bifrontia; by J. E. Gray, Ph.D. Ona New
Method of Illuminating Opaque Objects for the high powers of the
Microscope; and on a new Achromatic Condenser; by J. L. Riddell.
On the Structure of the Cells of Plants. Meteorological Table.

This number contains 102 pages and 7 plates, and is charged dou-
ble the usual price.

Notices of New Books. 3859

‘Insecta Saundersiana: or Characters of undescribed Insects in
the Collection of William. Wilson Saunders, Esq. Diptera,
Part IV. By Francis WaxkeEr, Esq., F.L.S. London: Van
Voorst. March, 1853.

THE title of this work sufficiently defines its object. The present
part contains 162 pages of letter-press, in 8vo., and 2 plates. The
insects described are 5 new species of Conops, 1 of Gymnosoma, 1 of
Trichopoda, 1 of Phasia, 1 of Hyalomya, 1 of Phania, 2 of Ocyptera,
74 of Tachina, 1 of Gonia, 21 of Dexia, 23 of Sarcophaga, 38 of Mus-
ca, 1 of Idia, 32 of Anthomyia, 6 of Ceenosia, 1 of Dryomyza, 4 of
Sapromyza, 4 of Ortalis, 2 of Ropalomera, 2 of Sepsis, 2 of Lauxania,
.2 of Loncheza, 20 of Trypeta (Tephritis, Awct.), 15 of Calobata, 1 of
Ulidia, 8 of Sciomyza, 2 of Tetanocera, 1 of Thecomyia, 2 of Hetero-
myza, 5 of Helomyza, 5 of Notiphila, 2 of Ephydra, 9 of Drosophila,
1 of Opomyza, 2 of Gymnopa, and 1 of Chlorops. The new species
figured are 3 of Tachina, 1 of Phania, 1 of Ocyptera, 2 of Calobata, |
of Ropalomera, and 8 of Trypeta.

‘ List of the Specimens of British Animals in the Collection of
the British Museum. Part XII. Lepidoptera (continued ),’
Printed by order of the Trustees. 1853.

Tuis portion of the Lepidoptera, like the two which have preceded
it, is from the pen of the late lamented James Francis Stephens. It
comprises only the Crambide, and contains 54 pages 12mo. It is
merely a synonymic list, without descriptions.

‘ List of the Specimens of Neuropterous Insects in the Collection
of the British Museum. Part II. (Sialide—Nemopterides).
Printed by order of the Trustees. 1853.

Tuis portion of the general collection of Neuroptera, like that which
has preceded it, is from the pen of Mr. Walker. It contains descrip-
tions of all the species comprised in the Museum collection, viz. : —
3 of Sialis, 1 of Ithone, 1 of Merope, 1 of Dilar, 8 of Chauliodes, 17
of Hermes, 2 of Corydalis, 13 of Raphidia, 48 of Mantispa, 2 of Ho-
plophora, 3 of Nymphes, 1 of Polysteechotes, 8 of Osmylus, 93 of
Chrysopa, 66 of Hemerobius, 1 of Dromophila, 4 of Coniortes, 217 of

3860 Zoological Society.

Myrmeleon, 81 of Ascalaphus, 1 of Stilbopteryx, 1 of Chorista, 3 of
Boreus, 20 of Panorpa, 1 of Euphania, 18 of Bittacus, and 19 of Ne-
moptera.

‘ Shells and their Inhabitants. The Genera of Recent Mollusca
arranged according to their Organization. By Henry and
ARTHUR ApAms. Part II. London: Van Voorst. February,
1853.

TuE Ist part comprised the following genera of Cephalopoda : —
Octopus, Cistopus, Pinnoctopus, Eledone, Cirrhoteuthis, Philonexis,
Tremoctopis, Argonauta, Cranchia, Loligopsis, Chiroteuthis, Histio-
teuthis, Enoploteuthis, Ancistrocheirus, Abralia, Octopodoteuthis, and
Onychoteuthis. All these genera are beautifully figured by Mr. J. de
C. Sowerby.

The 2nd part comprises the following genera of Cephalopoda : —
Ancistroteuthis, Onychia, Ommastrephes, Gonatus, Loligo, Teuthis,
Sepioteuthis, Rossia, Sepiola, Fidenas, Sepia, Spirula, and Nautilus ;
and the following genera of Pteropoda:— Cavolina, Diacria, Clio,
Balantium, Styliola, Triptera, Cymbulia, Euribia, Psyche, Tiedman-
nia, Limacina, Spirialis, Heterofusus, Cheletropis, Clione, Cliodita,
Pneumodermon, Spongiobranchia, Trichocyclus and Pelagia. All
these are figured.

Proceedings of the Zoological Society.

Tuesday, February 8, 1853. — Joun Goup, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair.

Dr. Baird communicated a paper on new species of Entozoa, contained in the
national collection at the British Museum, which he described under the following
names :—Ascaris similis, A. levissima, A. bifaria, Gordius platyurus, G. Tolosanus, G.
verrucosus, G. violaceus, G. pustulosus, Mermis rigidus, M. spiralis, Pentastoma me-
gacephalum, Tetrarhynchus rugosus, Tenia Bremseri, T. Calva, T. Zederi, T. Goezii,
Bothriocephalus antarcticus.

Dr. Gray communicated a description of the animal of Cyclina sinensis, which he
stated was drawn up ten or twelve years ago, from a specimen presented to him by Mr.
John Reeves, to whom we are indebted for the knowledge of the greater part of the
animals of China with which zoologists are as yet acquainted. The animal in most
particulars agrees with that of the genus Dosinia, next to which Dr. Gray lately pro-
posed to place it in his arrangement of the genera of Veneride.

Mr. Adam White contributed a monograph of the genus Ggosoma of Serville,
with the description vf Cyrtonops, a new genus allied to it, for the type of which he

Zoological Society. 3861

proposed the name of Cyrtonops punctipennis. It was obtained in India. The addi-
tions to the genus (Zgosoma are remarkable, and five in number, viz., Gigosoma sini-
cum, collected by Mr. Fortune at Shanghai; CE. ornaticolle, from India; (. cinga-
lense, from Ceylon; CE. sulcipenne, collected by Mr. Packman in Tenasserim ; and
(E. tibiale, from Northern India.

The Secretary read to the meéting some extracts from notes on the Zoology of the
Malay Peninsula, with which he had been supplied by Mr. George Windsor Earl,
whose long residence in the Indian Archipelago had given him abundant opportuni-
ties for observation. Amongst the most remarkable animals alluded to, were two spe-
cies of wild cattle, of immense size, to which the natives give the names of Sapi and
Saladang.

The Secretary exhibited, on the part of Mr. Richard Hill, Corresponding Member,
a beautiful series of birds’ eggs, collected by that gentleman in Jamaica, and there-
fore authentically named. It is greatly to be regretted that a considerable number
were broken in their transit to this country, or during their detention at Southampton.
The extreme beauty of these eggs, and the certainty with which they have been deter-
mined, give an unusual value to this donation, although Mr. Hill has ever been re-
garded as one of the most active and intelligent contributors to the objects of the Soci-
ety, in connexion with the Zoology of the great island in which he has so long resided.

Tuesday, February 22, 1853.—Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the chair.

Mr. Henry F. Walter exhibited a fine series of the eggs of vultures from his own
extensive cabinet, for the purpose of comparison. The immediate object he had in
view was to introduce to the notice of the meeting an egg of Otogyps auricularis, which
he believes to be the only specimen as yet existing in this country, and in fact he is
only acquainted with two others in the collections of the continent. The Society are
so fortunate as to possess living examples of every genus of vultures, with the single
exception of Neophron, the Egyptian vulture, which will be added to the menagerie,
without difficulty, during the ensuing summer. Mr. Walter also exhibited the eggs
of several other rare species of birds, which are at present living in the Society’s mena-
gerie, including the great snow-partridge of Persia, the Kep-ke-dereh, presented to the
Society by Mr. Stevens, Her Majesty’s Vice Consul at Tabreez. A beautiful drawing
of this fine bird, by Mr. Wolf, was on the table. The most remarkable egg was that
of the Tui bird (Prosthemadera Nove Zealandie), which was described for the first
time, and is unique in Mr. Walter’s collection. The Tui bird now in the Society’s pos-
session, has lived in the menagerie upwards of four years.

Mr. Gould exhibited a nearly complete collection of the family of Rhamphastide,
or toucans, including fifteen species not yet figured in his Monograph. After point-
ing out the characters which distinguish the generic groups into which he separates
them, Mr. Gould took occasion to describe a very singular addition to those previously
known, conspicuously marked by a patch of bright blue on the throat ; it belongs to
the genus Aulacorhamphus, and received the name of A. ceruleogularis. It was col-
lected in Veragua by Mr. Seemann, during the voyage of H. M. Surveying Ship,
Herald. The Society's menagerie contains three fine species of toucans, Rhamphastos
toco, R. erythrorhynchus, and R. Ariel. These very interesting birds are in perfect
health, and even during the present severe weather take exercise every day in the
open air in the great aviary.—D. W. M.

3862 Entomological Society.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

March 7, 1853.—Epwarv Newmay, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — The ‘ Zoologist’ for March; by the Editor. The ‘ Atheneum’ for Febru-
ary; by the Editor. The ‘Literary Gazette’ for February; by the Editor. The
‘ Journal of the Society of Arts;’ by the Society. ‘ Insecta Saundersiana.—Diptera,
Part IV.;’ by W. W. Saunders, Esq. ‘ Entomologische Zeitung’ for November,
1852, and January, 1853 ; by the Entomological Society of Stettin. ‘ Annales de la
Société Entomologique de France,’ 1851; by the Society. ‘ Proceedings of the Royal
Society, Vol. vi., No. 94; by the Society. Boxes of English Lepidoptera from the
following gentlemen :—Mr. F. Bond, Major Sheppard, Mr. A. F. Sheppard, Mr. Ed-
win Shepherd, and Mr. T. Boyd. A box of English Micro-Lepidoptera; by Mr.
Douglas. Two boxes of European Lepidoptera; by M. Becker, of Paris. One hun-
dred lists of British Lepidoptera ; by Mr. J. W. Dunning.

These lists were presented for the special purpose of benefiting the Society’s col-
lection of British Lepidoptera, by having the desiderata marked thereon, and then
circulated among those members who had duplicate specimens to give away. Messrs.
A. F. Sheppard and Edwin Shepherd had so marked several of the lists, and the above
donations of English Lepidoptera were the first result.

J. N. Winter, Esq., Brighton, and M. H. F. de Saussure, Geneva, were balloted
for and elected Members of the Society.

The President announced that the Society offered a prize of £5 5s. for the best
essay on the Natural History of the species of Coccus injurious to fruit-trees in this
country (with an especial reference to the “ mussel-scale ” of the apple, of which a full
and particular account is to be given), and the best means of preventing their ravages.

The essays, each distinguished by a motto, and with the author’s name in a dis-
tinct sealed envelope, to be addressed “ 'To the President and Council of the Entomo-
logical Society,’ and delivered on or before the 31st of December next.

Mr. Spence exhibited specimens of a Thrips, received through Dr. Lankester from
Dr. Theophilus Thompson, to whom they had been sent from Australia, where they
prevented rose-trees from blossoming by eating the petals of the flowers.

Mr. 8S. Stevens exhibited a specimen of each of the rare Coleoptera, Agasma semi-
crudum and Calodera Kirbii, lately received from Australia.

Mrz. T. Spencer exhibited a specimen of Cheerocampa Celerio, captured last Octo-
ber in the Regent's Park, and a scorpion, found last summer in the middle of a field
at Edgeware.

Mr. Douglas, on the part of Mr. A. R. Hogan, exhibited the specimen of Hippar-
chia Janira, with six whitish appendages to the haustellum, respecting which he had
sent an inquiry to the ‘ Zoologist’ (p. 3775), and which Mr. Douglas had answered in
the same journal (p. 3809), considering the presence of these bodies to be attributable
to the adhesion of parts of flowers. Subsequent examination of the butterfly, kindly
sent by Mr. Hogan, had confirmed this impression.

The President said he was convinced that Mr. Douglas was correct in his opinion,
for not only did he find the appendages in question to be the pollen-masses of an Or-
chidaceous plant, but he identified the very species as Orchis bifolia. The pollen-gra-
nules were still distinctly observable at the distal extremity of the appendages, while
the basal end, always extremely viscid, had fixed itself firmly to the maxille of the

Entomological Society. 3863

insect. These extraneous bodies are affixed to the maxille in very regular order, but
he regarded their position as purely accidental ; and the hairs observed by Mr. Ho-
gan adhering to the pollen-masses were no part of the plant, but doubtless derived
from the palpi or pectus of the butterfly. The occurrence of pollen-masses on various
parts of insects had been repeatedly noticed by botanists as well as entomologists; they
are very common on the heads of wild bees, especially in foreign countries, in such
cases being not only derived from Orchids, but also from Asclepiads,—a natural order
of plants which does not occur wild in this country, and which, although widely differ-
ing from the Orchids in other structural peculiarities, possesses similarly constructed
pollen-masses. To such an extent has this phenomenon prevailed in some instances,
that botanists have conjectured that Nature availed herself of the services of the bees
to carry out the fecundating process, for many Orchids, without their assistance in con-
veying the pollen-granules from one flower to another, failed to mature their seeds.
The pollen-masses are very carefully and accurately described by the late Sir J. E.
Smith, Dr. Lindley, and other botanists.

The Secretary read the following notes, communicated by Professor Zeller, Hono-
rary Member of the Society.

“* Impaled Insects.—I only remember two examples of impaled insects, but both of
them afford good evidence of the cause of their position. In one of these cases the in-
sect was a suicide: a male of Triphena comes, 77., in the finest condition, had a point
of the rush, Juncus acutus, in its breast, and was dead when I found it. I still keep
the thorax in my collection ; it is quite uninjured, which would not be the case if a
bird had captured and impaled the moth. Besides, the locality, in the environs of
Catania, is such as no Lanius would inhabit, being a small meadow, wet in winter,
surrounded by a large lava-desert, without tree or shrub. Juncus acutus is the haunt
of an Cidipoda which I think new, (Gd. Junci, mihi, in litt.); and I sometimes ob-
served this insect, after a short flight, fall down and impale its wings on the pin-like
points of the rush, and get them loose only after many efforts. That insects would be
easily impaled here I was sure from my own experience, as when stooping quickly
for any capture, I often found myself on these unhappy points almost in a Turkish
fashion. The moth here spoken of is mentioned in the ‘Isis, 1847, p. 442.

“ The other instance is of an earlier date, and happened to a Triphena fimbria,
Tr., g. This insect was impaled on a sloe-thorn, and was still living when I found
it. It had its back downwards, the wings on its right side half bitten off, and its tho-
tax much injured. In the alder-brake where this happened, there were some Lanii
(shrikes), the species of which I do not now remember.”

“ Larva of Polyommatus Artaxerwes.—From the affinity of this species with Poly-
ommatus Agestis, I infer the possibility of its larva feeding on a species of Geranium
or Erodium ; for on Erodium cicutarium I have detected the larva of Agestis. If it
be deemed probable that any species of these plants affords food to the larva of Arta-
xerxes, a quantity of them should be gathered at the proper season in the locality
inhabited by the butterfly, by cautiously cutting them off above the roots, and they
Should then be torn and shaken over white paper or a table-cloth. But an undoubt-
edly better method of obtaining the larve is the following. Most butterflies are very
easily observed laying their eggs, and the Polyommati are particularly favourable for
such investigations. Therefore, when the females of Artaxerxes have been out some

3864 Mollusks.—- M1. Stephens’ Collection.

time, and begin to be wasted, patiently follow one on a fine morning without troubling
it, and observe on what plant it settles ; after some preliminary attempts it will proba-
bly be seen to bend its body under a leaf, which proceeding is a certain sign of its
laying an egg; this may soon be recognized by its white colour. The female will
continue to lay eggs for a long time without resting to feed, and thus in a short period
a number of eggs may be collected. To prevent their drying up, they must be fixed
upon leaves of a living plant set in a flower-pot, and thus every opportunity may be
had for leisurely observing the larva during its changes. In this way I procured the
egos of and reared to perfection Argynnis Dia, Colias Hyale, Polyommatus Corydon,
Alexis, Amyntas, Hylas, Arion (both the latter on Thymus Serpylluni), Argiolus, Acis
(on the capitula of Armeria vulgaris), Phileas, Circe, Hippothoe, Chryseis, &c., Leu-
cophasia Sinapis (on Trifolium arvense and Coronilla varia), Papilio Machaon, Poda-
lirius, Hesperia Actzon (on Stipa capillata), alveolus (on Potentilla alba, but I often
find the larva on Potentilla anserina among alder-bushes), Emmelesia albulata (on
Alectorolophus minor), and many others.”

Mr. F. Smith read a monograph of the Hymenopterous genus Cryptocerus, in-
cluding descriptions of 14 new species, and illustrated by outline figures of all the
species known. Three new genera are established,—Meranoplus for two species hav-
ing the body pedunculated and rounded in the female, Cataulacus for four species of
the Old World structurally different from Cryptocerus, and Onychognathus for a sin-
gle species from New Zealand remarkable for having only five joints in the antenne,

Mr. Spence presented for the signatures of the members, a petition to the Govern-
ment, originated by the Royal Society, praying that it and the other Societies for the
study and advancement of natural knowledge, should be provided by the State with
apartments in juxta-position ; showing the disadvantages under which such Societies,
and, through them, science, at present laboured, on account of their disconnected lo-
cations, and having severally to support heavy expenses for house-rent and other ne-
cessary charges.

Part 4, Vol. II., n.s., of the Society’s ‘ Transactions, was announced as ready,—
J. W. D.

Occurrence of Onychoteuthis Banksti at Banff, N. B.—I beg leave to place on re-
cord, through the pages of your journal, the capture of Onychoteuthis Banksii, Leach,
at Banff, N. B. It is a decapodous cephalopod, which usually inhabits the Atlantic
and Indian Oceans. I am not aware of the previous occurrence of this mollusk in
Britain ; and my friend Arthur Adams, Esq., F.L.S., whom I have consulted on the
subject, thinks it new to the British Fauna. —John Rose, M.D., R.N.; Haslar Hos-
pital, Gosport, March 14, 1852.

Mr. Stephens’s Entomological Library and Collection. — Entomologists will be
pleased to learn that Mr. Stephens’s rich collection of British insects has been pur-
chased by the Trustees of the British Museum. His valuable entomological library
is likely to pass into the hands of Mr. Stainton.—Z. N.

Notices of New Books. 3865

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

A Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica.” By Puitip Henry Gosse,
A.L.S., &c.; assisted by Ricnarp Hitt, Esq. London: Long-
mans. 1853.

(Second Notice).

THE copious extracts from this work given in our last number (Zool.
$850), will we think abundantly justify the cordial commendation we
bestowed upon it. Mr. Gosse is not a mere compiler,—a mere popu-
larizer of other men’s observations; he possesses not only the art of
clothing his subject in a garment of agreeable phraseology, but has
made that subject peculiarly instructive and complete by a very great
number of original and interesting observations. And here we can-
not confine our praise to the author, but feel in justice bound to divide
it between himself and his most able coadjutor, Mr. Hill, whose long
residence in Jamaica has afforded him opportunities of observation
which a mere sojourner could not hope to enjoy. Mr. Gosse gives
his coadjutor full credit for the value of this assistance : in the title-
page, in the preface, in almost every chapter, does he give full and
grateful credit to the worth and importance of Mr. Hill’s co-opera-
tion: indeed, a considerable portion of the volume, and that certainly
not the least interesting, consists of verbatim extracts from this ob-
servant naturalist’s manuscripts. ‘Truly delightful is it to see kindred
minds thus associated,— kindred minds thus working together for the
public good. Such, we could fancy, were Gilbert White and Daines
Barrington ; and such might have been the correspondence of White
and Barrington, had not the part of Barrington been unfortunately
omitted.

The time is certainly approaching, when Nature shall claim from
her admirers more of these tributes to her living and breathing
majesty ; when Natural History shall cease to be a mere science of
admeasurement ; when it shall become, in accordance with its name,
really a history. Honoured be those who use their energies in such
a cause, — who employ their pens in bringing about a revolution, a
consummation so devoutly to be wished!

We shall give but one more extract from the ‘ Naturalist’s Sojourn,’
but that one comprises a much more complete history than the uncon-
nected paragraphs already cited: and, in conclusion, we have only to

XI, U

3866 Notices of New Books.

add that we strenuously recommend every reader of the ‘ Zoologist’
to become a purchaser of the ‘ Sojourn.’

The Smooth Sheath-claw.—< June 3rd.—Coming down from Blue-
fields Peak about noon, my attention was attracted to two of these
geckos (Thecadactylus levis), resting near each other on the trunk of
a tree, beside a deep cleft. From a slight difference in their size, I
supposed them male and female; 1 struck at one with my riding-
switch but failed to reach it; and they both glided into the hollow
tree. Soon, however, they began to peep out again; and I desired
my servant to mount the tree in order to drive them out; which he
did by thrusting in a stick at the opposite side. The larger darted
out, and on being touched, precipitated himself to the ground, where
he began to wriggle with the usual awkward agility of the species ;
IT struck him lightly with a stick, but in so doing unfortunately severed
the tail from the body.

“The amputated member, however, continued to writhe in rapid con-
tortions. I now put down a tin canister on the ground, with the open
mouth just before the animal’s head, and on being touched behind,
it darted in according to its natural propensity to take refuge in dark
holes and crevices, and I thus secured it. Its colours had been till
now dark brown handsomely mottled with black, but on my arrival
at home I found it of a dirty white or drab, with the mottlings few and
almost obsolete. The stomach was found on dissection to contain
fragments of beetles, but in the intestine was a leguminous seed.

“The appearance and physiognomy of this lizard are unprepossess-
ing; there is a savage sullenness in its look, very different from the
meek countenance of the Ameiva. It is very common, particularly in
out-buildings and offices, where it inhabits crevices in the roofs and
rafters, a pair commonly living in the same hole or near together. |
On the approach of night one hears on all sides the singular, cracked,
cackling call of these animals, somewhat like the sound produced by
drawing a stick across a comb. M. Dumeril’s suggestion, that this
voice may be produced by the tongue smacked as it were in the con-
cavity of the palate, is the less unlikely from the fact that this organ
is large, flexible, and fleshy. The name of croaking lizard commonly
applied to the species in Jamaica, is derived from its peculiar voice.
In the woods the voice is also heard at night proceeding from hollow
trees, and continued through the whole of the hours of darkness.

“'The large prominent eye without any eyelid, whose pupil contracts
in strong light to a perpendicular line, indicates their nocturnal habits;
yet they are frequently seen by day, as in the case just mentioned.

Notices of New Books. 3867

In the old mill-house at Bluefields they are numerous; and two
or three pairs may be seen day after day at the same spot, peeping
out of their crevices and remaining perfectly still for hours. Some-
times they venture forth, and may be observed crawling slowly along
the beams and rafters, moving with excessive deliberation, and never
going far from their holes, into which they dart on the least alarm
with swift rapidity. |

“The curious structure of the feet in the Geckotidz, by which they
are enabled to walk on reversed surfaces, has been often described.
The toes in this species radiate from the foot, are dilated into broad oval
disks, and have the under surface covered with transverse lamine, the
edge of each overlapping its successor. Minute hooked claws, very
acute, like those of a cat, doubtless assist the animal in its feats of this
kind. I do not, however, remember to have ever seen this gecko actu-
ally back downward, but often crawling on the vertical side of a beam.
_ “The skin of this animal is very loosely attached to the muscles, and
is so soft and fragile that it tears with a mere touch, like wetted brown
paper. The head and back are covered with minute conical tubercles
very closely set, which on the sides and towards the tail, become more
inclined, and flattened in a posterior direction, so as to form overlap-
ping scales, which are most regular and largest on the belly and tail ;
each is in contact with six other surrounding ones. The under side
of the tail is crossed by a series of broad plates here and there, varied
however by two broad scales supplying the place of one plate. The
tail has no transverse folds, but the scales are arranged with regularity
there. I have not been able to detect any femoral pores.

“The periodical casting of the skin takes place much as in other li-
zards. ‘The head and fore parts begin to assume a white appearance,
and the next day the skin of these parts separates from the surface of
the body, often irregularly, and lies in loose ragged folds around it.
It now looks like muslin of the most delicate fineness ; it is slit down
the back and separated, but not yet thrown off. At the same time
the hinder parts have the same whiteness as the head on the previous
day ; for there seems always to be the difference of the day in the
sloughing of the fore and hind parts. When the cuticle is however
manifestly detached, it is not thrown off at once, but hangs around
the lizard like a ragged garment for several days; apparently to its no
small annoyance.

“The reproduction of the tail in lizards, after it has been acciden-
tally lost, is a very curious phenomenon which seems not to have been
observed with sufficient precision. In this species it takes place with

3868 Notices of New Books.

great rapidity. The facility with which the tail separates has been
already alluded to; it is said that the animal will frequently cast off
this member spontaneously in its contortions on being put alive into
spirits; and that the contraction of the tail into a globular form has
given occasion to the supposition that a distinct species existed, called
the turnip-tailed gecko, (Thecadactylus rapicauda) ; this, however, |
have not seen.

“ One day, at Grand Vale, I observed on a gate a gecko with a new
tail, not more than an inch and a half in length, abruptly tapered.
The animal had a singular appearance, the tail being of a bluish gray
hue, marked with longitudinal black stripes; it had a silky gloss;
but was closely covered with minute transverse wrinkles. (The ordi-
nary length of the tail when perfect is about five inches).

“ About the middle of September I caught in a noose one which I
had deprived of its tail a few days before in attempting to secure it.
The separation had taken place about half an inch behind the vent.
I put the reptile into a gauze-covered box for observation. In less
than a week the new tail was manifest in the form of a bluish tuber-
cle projecting from the centre of the wound. About this time I
captured one with a renewed tail, which member was covered with
tuberculous scales as the original had been, and the inferior surface
of which displayed the ordinary transverse plates. |

“In fact 1 should not have known it had been severed but for the
_ dark gray colour, the peculiar character of the striping, the manifest
suture at the point of junction, and the smaller size than normal of the
scales and plates. On comparing the tail of my own living one with
that of this specimen, I perceived that it differed in the absence of
scales, the surface being silky and covered with fine transverse wrin-
kles as the one observed at Grand Vale. On the 10th of November
the tail was about an inch and one-eighth long, when it threw off its
skin, the sloughing being confined to the recent part, and I was
surprised and pleased to observe that the new surface displayed both
scales and transverse plates, but both small. The colour was still
dark gray, with pale irregular longitudinal stripes or dashes. About
the beginning of December the animal escaped, the cage having in-
cautiously been left open; the tail was then fully an inch and a half
long, and the tip had become compressed.

“On the 21st of October I had found, adhering to the inside of the
door of the cage, an egg of a short oval form, shelly in texture, and
of a pure white hue. It adhered to the wood by a flattened base, as
if it had been deposited in a soft state; when I saw it the top had

Notices of New Books. 3869

been slightly crushed in, probably by accident, and this appeared to
have been fatal to it, for its contents gradually dried up. I conjec-
tured at the time that this egg had been deposited by the gecko, but
I could not be quite certain, because one or two Anoles were kept in
the same cage. But on the 21st of February, as I was riding to Sa-
vanna-la-Mar, and passing a large fig-tree that overhangs the sea-
shore at Cave, I observed in a little crevice in the trunk—or rather in
one produced by the singular anastomosing of the supra-terrestrial
roots—several eggs. On dismounting, I found they were about eight
in number, and evidently of the same kind as the one above noticed.
Their form was irregularly oval, round, or rondo-triangular, all flat-
tened, very much resembling in size, shape and colour, those comfits
called lemon-drops: their greatest diameter was about half an inch.
They were shelly, but the shell was thin and very brittle; yet it was
evident they had been soft when laid, for they adhered to each other,
and the side of one was, as it were, let in to that of its neighbour, and
at the base of some was a thick mass of shelly matter, as if a semifluid
substance had run down and then hardened. That all had not been
deposited at once, seemed apparent from their diverse degrees of ma-
turity; some containing only a white cream or soft curd, others the
lizard fully formed but immature ; while one which I broke displayed
the smooth sheath-claw perfectly formed and coloured, which pre-
sently crawled out, being quite independent of the vitellus. The
head of this new-born gecko was large ; the belly (of course) thin ;
the toes well formed; the tubercles perfect, the markings dark and
beautifully distinct ; the pupil linear and perpendicular. The length
was two inches and a quarter; one-third of an inch of the extremity
of the tail was pure white, abruptly defined from the darker colour.
The surface of the eggs, under a lens, was covered with minute tu-
bercles of lime, something like a whitewashed wall.

“The cavity in which these eggs were found was so narrow that I
cannot understand how the lizard managed to deposit them in their
situation, unless (which seems very improbable) they were first laid
and afterwards placed with the feet.

“ After a few weeks, being again in that neighbourhood, I noticed
that another egg had been laid since the removal of the former, and
in the course of a month two more, occupying the place of those first
deposited.

“ We thus perceive that the gecko lays her eggs at considerable
intervals of time, but selects the same spot for their deposition.

3870 Notices of New Books.

“The ill fame under which this genus labours in most parts of the
world where it is known, attends it here. An indefinite dread of its
being in some way hurtful generally prevails, perhaps mainly depend-
ant on its repulsive aspect and stealthy motions. It is however per-
fectly harmless ; feeding on insects and berries. I have already men-
tioned the contents of the stomach in one specimen that [ examined ;
in another this viscus, a membranous sac, nearly as long as the trunk,
contained nothing of an animal nature, but only some pulpy berries,
and several stony seeds closely like those of a grape.

“One which I captured with a hair noose, indeed, on being turned
into the lizard-box, seemed to manifest hostility to the Anoles which
were there; these fled from it, and the gecko appeared to have a de-.
sire of pursuing, for it crept towards one and another with a stealthy
step, the belly and head being on the ground, like a cat watching a
mouse. Yet these actions might be nothing more than the manifes-
tation of caution on being put into unwonted circumstances.

“ While thus engaged, it ever and anon licked its lips with its pro-
truded tongue, an action common to all our Geckotide. The ordi-
nary length of the species is about nine inches.”—p. 158.

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 64, dated
April, 1853.

THE papers in this number are intituled : —

‘Remarks on British Plants.’ By Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
F.R.S., F.L.8., &c.

‘On the Chitonide.” By William Clark, Esq.

‘ Additional Character of the Shell of the Cyclostomatous genus
Alyceus of Gray, with descriptions of its Animal Inhabitant — of a
fourth Species—and of other new Indian Cyclostomata ; also remarks
on an unrecorded Character in Diplommatina.’ By W. H. Benson,
Esq.

‘On the Animal of Myochama anomioides.’ By Albany Hancock,
Esq.

‘On the Germination of the Resting Spores, and on a form of Mov-
ing Spores in Spirogyra.’ By Dr. W. Pringsheim. [Translated from
the ‘ Flora’ of August 14 and 21, 1852, by Arthur Henfrey.|

‘ Description of Rhopalodina, a new form of Echinodermata. By
J. KE, Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S., V.P.Z.8., &c.

Notices of New Books. 3571

‘Rambles in Ceylon.’ By Edgar Leopold Layard, Esq.

Bibliographical Notices : — ‘ Principles of the Anatomy and Phy-
siology of the Vegetable Cell... By Hugo Von Mohl. ‘ Handbuch
der Conchyliologie und Malacozoologie.’ By Dr. R. A. Philippi.

Proceedings of Learned Societies: — Royal— Zoological—Botani-
eal of Edinburgh—Dublin University Zoological Association—Ento-
mological.

Miscellaneous : — Eucratea chelata; by John Coppin. A new
genus and species of Crustacea; by James Hights. On the Coleo-
pterous Insects of the genus Cebrio; by M. Guérin Méneville. On
the Reproduction of the Toad and Frog without the intermediate
stage of Tadpole ; by Edward Joseph Lowe, Esq., F.G.S., F.R.A.S.

Mr. Lowe’s paper on the reproduction of frogs and toads without
the intermediate stage of tadpole, is one of great interest, and is not
altogether unsupported by the previous observations of naturalists.
The same facts have been repeatedly asserted of several exotic species
of toad; and kindred facts have been observed in this country of the
reproduction of the common salamander in confinement. Neverthe-
less, in reading the five positions laid down by Mr. Lowe, which are
given verbatim below, it is impossible not to observe that some of the
inferences drawn are not sequent on the premises. More exact and
methodical observations are required before we can receive this de-
parture from Nature’s laws as an established fact.

“First : — Toads deposit Spawn in Cellars, and Young Toads are
afterwards observed.

“Last summer several masses of spawn were procured from my
cellar, having been found deposited amongst decaying potatoes, &c. ;
and subsequently young toads were noticed. The cellar is free from
water, and at a considerable distance from any brook.”

In this observation spawn is stated to have been present ; but, al-.
though under the author’s own eye, no attempt appears to have been
made to trace a connexion between the spawn and the young toads.
The deposition of toads’ spawn in masses, moreover, is at variance
with my own experience: I have always found it in ropes, after the
fashion of a string of beads.

“ Secondly: — Young Toads are observed about hot-beds.

“Tn the kitchen-garden at Highfield House (which is entirely walled
round), young toads have been noticed about the cucumber and me-
lon beds. The gardeners have been in the habit of bringing toads to
these beds to destroy the insects: these have continued amongst the

3872 Notices of New Books.

warm damp straw all summer. It is after these beds have remained
three or four months that the young ones have been noticed. Toads
would have to travel nearly half a mile to reach this garden from the
brook or lake, and also to mount a steep hill, besides taking the op-
portunity of coming through the door. Toads so small are not seen
in any other part of the gardens.”

The occurrence of toads, large and small, in walled gardens, and
especially about cucumber-frames, is very familiar to me: it may be
a question how they get there, but other solutions to the difficulty may
be proposed quite as plausible as the supposition that Nature has so
widely deviated from her ordinary course. A well-authenticated in-
stance of a toad’s vagaries is before me : —a singularly fine specimen
was shut in a small empty room, to await immersion in spirits, when
the etceteras could be procured ; on opening the door of the room he
was missing, and was eventually found sitting peacefully on the ledge
over the door.

“ Thirdly : — Young Toads and Frogs observed in abundance at
the summit of another hill, whilst quite small. )

“ During the past summer, especially in the month of July, very
many young toads and frogs were seen amongst strawberry-plants,
apparently from a week to a month old. These might possibly have
travelled from the brook a few hundred yards distant; yet it is strange,
that with the exception of these beds, no young toads could be found
elsewhere in the garden. A number of full-grown toads are mostly to
be seen about these beds.”

Such an occurrence is yery common, indeed it is observable every
summer; but it does not appear to bear on the subject under discus-
sion, it merely shows that toads, whether large or small, are fond of
strawberry-beds.

“ Fourthly : — Young Frogs dug out of the ground in the month of
January.

“In digging in the garden amongst the strawberry-beds (near where
so many toads were observed last summer), in the middle of January
in the present year, a nest of young frogs were upturned. These were
apparently three or four weeks old. This ground had been previously
dug in the month of August, and many strawberry-plants buried ; it
was amongst a mass of these plants in a state of partial decomposition,
that these young ones were observed.”

There is a non sequitur here: surely the young frogs are not sup-
posed to have been the issue of the old toads! and their occurrence
in the ground does not at all support the author’s view, for it is quite

Notices of New Books. 3873

as probable that a frog which had passed the tadpole state would be
found in the earth, as one which had not.

“ Fifthly : — Young Frogs are bred in Cellars where there is no
Water for Tadpoles.

“In mentioning this subject to Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, of Man-
chester (an active botanist), he informed me that young frogs, and in
fact frogs of all sizes, were to be seen in his cellar amongst decaying
Dahlia-tubers. The smallest of them were only about half the ordi-
nary size of the young frog when newly developed from the tadpole.
He further stated that there was no water in the cellar, and no means
of young frogs entering, except by first coming into the kitchen, a
mode of entry if not impossible, highly improbable. Mr. Sidebotham
never found any spawn.”

This observation would go to prove that the spawn itself was an
unnecessary stage, and therefore militates against the second obser-
vation, in which the presence of spawn is cited in support of the
theory.

‘ Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. Vol. Il.
New Series. Part 4.

Tuis is one of the best parts, if not the very best, ever issued by the
Society. It contains the following papers : —

‘On the Identification of the yet undetermined Species of Micro-
Lepidoptera, mentioned in the Mémoires of Reaumur.’ By J. W.
Douglas, Esq.

‘Descriptions of some Longicorn Beetles discovered in Northern
China by Robert Fortune, Esq. By W. Wilson Saunders, Esq.,
F.L.S., &c. |

‘ Notes on the Habits of various Insects.’ By Mr. William Varney.

‘ Contributions towards the Natural History of British Micro-Lepi-
doptera.’ By J. W. Douglas, Esq.

‘ Notices of some new Species of Sere tierane Insects from Alba-
nia, with further Observations on the Habits, Transformations, and
Sexual Economy of these Parasites.’ By S. 8. Saunders, Esq.

The Chinese Longicorn beetles described by Mr. Saunders are six
in number : — Eurypoda antennata, Philus inconspicuus, Callichroma
Faldermannii, Colobus sericeus, Cerosterna hispida, and Glenea
Fortuni.

XI, X

3874 Notices of New Books.

The subjects in Mr. Varney’s paper are : — Sting of Bee, Moss-
carder Humble Bees, Wasp-nests, Mason Wasps, Wasps killing Flies,
Honey Bees, Bees fond of Water, Leaf-cutter Bees, Transformations
of Caterpillars, Winter Midge, Caterpillars of Bryophila perla, Blow
Flies. On each of these subjects there is interesting information, not
always striking for its novelty, but in every instance quite worth re-
cording. .

The paper by Mr. S. S. Saunders on the habits of the Stylopide in
the larva state, is of great value, and exhibits the knowledge both of
“‘ what to observe” and “how to observe.” The author’s observa-
tions are made with the greatest possible care, and are recorded in the
most lucid manner. His remarks have reference, Ist, to the saltato-
rial powers of the larve in the minute hexapodal state ; 2ndly, to their
mode of attack ; 3rdly, to their first moult; 4thly, to their position in
the feeding state; and 5thly, to their mode of effecting their exit.

‘Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club.” Vol. III. No. 8.

A NEw part of these ‘ Proceedings’ is just issued, and is so inte-
resting, that we cannot but regret that the papers it contains should
have so limited a circulation as their publication in so restricted a
channel of necessity entails. The contents are thus intituled : —

‘Address to the Members, delivered at the Anniversary Meeting
held at Newtown, September 8th, 1852.’ By Robert Home, Esq.,
President.

‘Sketch of the Geology of the Howick Coast and Ratcheugh Crag,
visited by the Club on the 4th of August, 1852.2. By Geo. Tate, F.G.S.
‘Notice of Asplenium germanicum.’ By Geo. R. Tate, Alnwick.

‘An Account of an Assemblage of Ancient Sepulchral Monuments,
in the East of Berwickshire.’ By Mr. James Hardy.

‘On some Excrescences &c. on Plants, occasioned or inhabited by
Mites.’ By Mr. James Hardy.

‘The Acarides of Berwickshire specifically described.’ By George
Johnston, M.D.

‘On the Frugivorous Habits of some Geodephaga.’ By Mr. James
Hardy.

‘ Notice of two ancient Tombs or Graves discovered and opened in
Spring, 1851, upon Adderstone Low Mill Farm, in the Parish of Bam-
burgh. By P. J. Selby, Esq.

Notices of New Books. 3875

Two of Mr. Hardy’s papers are so interesting to the zoologist, that
we give them entire: the first refers to the excrescences produced on

plants by mites.

“A few days ago, I met with several small galls on the leaves of
the hackberry (Prunus Padus), which I expected would furnish the
larva of a gall-midge (Cecidomyiu) or gall-fly (Cynips). They are
green or slightly purplish, obovate, thickish, white, hirsute, and are
scattered over the upper surface of the leaf, like a crop of minute
mushrooms. On opening them I found them hollow, without any
apparent inmate, or anything remarkable except a few hairs, the con-
tinuation apparently of a thick crop placed at their orifice in the de-
pression on the under side of the leaf. A few pink objects, however,
at length caught my attention ; and on reflection, knowing that such
excrescences were sometimes ascribed to mites, I resolved to ascer-

_ tain if these were not such. Next day, on shaking a few upon a slip

of glass, and placing them under the microscope, I observed that they
exhibited motion; and some of them were not long in pushing out
their legs and crawling slowly about. They were all in the larva state,
elliptical, round-bodied, with four short legs placed close behind the
head ; the abdominal part is long and flexible, and has about four
hairs before the tip, and about as many near the shoulders. They are
too minute to be seen by the naked eye; even under a triple lens,
they are mere linear atoms, without vestige of limbs. They are white,
yellow, pale brown, or pinkish. Two species of mites were found on
the outside : one, a yellowish rapidly running species, common upon
foliage, that appears to deposit its ova upon the hairs of the plants on
which it occurs; the other was a true, flattish, pale whitish, testaceous
Acarus, and is most likely the parent of the young mites in the gall.

** Knowing there were many similar galls on leaves, I next investi-
gated those hairy purple warts so abundant near the midrib of the
sloe, and found them likewise to be nests of apparently the same spe-
cies of Acarus.

“ The alternate blisters along the sides of the alder-leaf, and occa-
sionally found on that of the birch, gave the same result. The species
on the alder is probably different. The old mite accompanying them
is a mere point, and is well distinguished by two or three squarish
brown spots near the tip of the abdomen.

“The leaf of Salix aurita offers not less than four different galls:
one large and smooth, occasioned by a black saw-fly, (Linn. Fn. Suec.
2301); two caused by the larve of unknown species of gall-midge,
(Cecidomyia); and a fourth minute purple one, which is very abun-

3876 Notices of New Books.

dant, and is analogous to those occurring on the sloe and bird-cherry.
The last, like them, contains only young mites.

“ Another locality for mites I find in some round bud-like produc-
tions on the twigs of hazel. From green they become yellowish, and
then wither. The larva is white, as is the accompanying mite.

“A rough, pale green or purplish, fungus-like gall, which opens
from the under side of the leaf, is abundant on the foliage of the alder
in some of our deans. ‘This is also a nursery of young Acari.

“‘ A conspicuous yellow gall near the summits of the stalks of Ga-
lium verum, growing on the sea-coast, is also owing to mites. The
round fleshy galls of this plant are caused by the larve of a Cecido-
myia.

“Colonies of young mites distort the leaves of Galium Aparine,
Lotus corniculatus, Polygala vulgaris, and Campanula rotundifolia,
by causing them to assume fantastic shapes, to become discoloured,
to thicken, or their margins to roll inwards. The foliage of Galium
Aparine is also affected in this manner from the presence of the larve
of Psylla velutina of Foerster, (Verhand. Natur. Vereins. Preuss.
Rheinlande, 1848, p. 87); which appears not to differ from Ps. Galil
of the same author. ‘This Psylla produces similar effects on Galium
palustre and G. uliginosum ; and it lives likewise upon the leaves of
Comarum palustre.

“ The hoary, rounded, woolly tufts, so abundant in some places at
the summit of the shoots of the wild thyme, are also the production of
a crowd of young mites, as was first ascertained by Loew, (Dipterolo-
gische Beitr. iv. 24). Lightfoot (Flora Scot. i. 318) attributes them to
a Chermes (Psylla); and Bremi thought they were owing to the larve
of a gall-midge. The two Bauhins considered plants in this condi-
tion as a distinct species; the ‘Serpillum vulgare, minus, capitulis
lanuginosis,’ (C. Bauhini, Pinax, 220); ‘S. vulgare, capitulis tomen-
taceis, candicantibus,’ (J. Bauhini, Hist. Plant. i. 269). Tournefort,
however, conjectured that such appearances were owing to the irrita-
tion occasioned by some insect pricking the buds (Hist. Plantes des
Environs de Paris, 149. Paris: 1698).

“JT have not had an opportunity of examining lately these white
tufts on the wild thyme ; but young specimens that I brought from
Northumberland in July, afforded no traces of a gall-midge, to which
they had been ascribed by various writers.

“In conclusion, I may mention that TI shall feel obliged to any
member of the Club for fresh specimens of the following galls, should
they ever occur during their researches : —

Notices of New Books. 3377

* Smooth galls on the leaves of the beech.

“Smooth galls on the leaves or buds of the lime.

““ Galls on the dyer’s green-weed, (Genista tinctoria).

“ Galls on the bryony and the box-wood.

“ Galls and excrescences on Salix alba, S. purpurea, and S$. fragilis.

“Large gall on the stalk of Hieracium sabaudum and Cnicus
arvensis.”—p. 111.

In his paper “‘ On the Frugivorous Habits of the Geodephaga,” Mr.
Hardy gives the following examples of this apparent aberration of in-
sect appetite, which have fallen under his own observation : —

“It is now, I believe, agreed on all hands, that Zabrus gibbus oc-
casionally feeds upon grain; and some of the larve of Amare have
been ascertained to be vegetable feeders. This, however, is the
amount of information that we possess on the subject: all the other
beetles of this division have been ranked as carnivorous, an inference
drawn principally from the structure of their mouth and stomach.
Notwithstanding this, however, it appears that several of those so-
called Carnivora mix with their stronger meals a certain proportion of
vegetable diet. Of the Amare I have observed two feeding on plants:
— Amara plebeia, which often mounts Poa annua to feed on the pol-
len ; and A. familiaris, which tears open the capsule of the mouse-ear
chickweed (Cerastium viscosum), and devours the half-ripened seeds.
Omaseus melanarius, a well-known destroyer of earth-worms, I have
detected eating the nearly ripe seeds of the hemp-nettle, (Galeopsis
Tetrahit). Curtonotus piceus is well known to occur frequently upon
the knapweed, and to thrust its head down amongst the seeds, with, it
was supposed, the intention of obtaining the dipterous maggots that
feed upon the seeds of the plant. I have now little doubt that its
object is the seeds alone, as only yesterday I found one employed in
a similar manner upon the bog-thistle, after it had devoured the skin
of one of its seeds, the interior having been eaten before my arrival.
I afterwards saw another pull up a seed from the head of an autumnal
dandelion (Apargia autumnalis), and then proceed to make a meal
of it. Calathus cisteloides will probably be found to have similar ha-
bits. One evening I found four individuals near the summits of the
rag-wort ; but they observed my approach, and either hid themselves
amongst the foliage, or dropped to the ground.”—p. 123.

3878 Mollusks.

List of the Land and Fresh-water Mollusca found in Aberdeenshire
and Kincardineshire. By James TayLor, Esq.

THE publication of Mr. Norman’s list of the Mollusca of Oxford
and its neighbourhood (Zool. 3761), has led me to believe that a simi-
lar list of those found with us would be acceptable; since it is only
by the publication of such lists that collectors can arrive at a know-
ledge of the rarity or abundance of species in different localities
throughout the kingdom. Besides the utility of local lists of species
to collectors in effecting the exchange of specimens, they lead to a
more correct knowledge of their geographical distribution. One thing
is certain, the publication of such lists shows how much the study of
Mollusca has been on the increase during late years, and one now and
then in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist,’ would give us further informa-
tion. Local lists of shells are to general Conchology what local lists
of plants are to general Botany; since it is well known that many
species both of plants and mollusks are confined to particular spots,
the result of some peculiarity of constitution in the animal or the soil,
while others are more generally distributed. A correct knowledge of
the distribution of the Mollusca would greatly facilitate the labours of
the collector.

Some of the species mentioned in Mr. Norman’s list have not been
found here in a living state, e. g., Neritina fluviatilis, Paludina vivi-
para and achatina, Bithinia tentaculata and ventricosa, Helix pomatia
and many others, as may be seen on a comparison of the lists; but
dead specimens of some of these have been found amongst ballast,
and some cast on the beach ; these will be mentioned at the end of
the list.

The nomenclature is that of Gray’s Turton; any other authority
will be mentioned.

Arion ater. Common in meadows and by way-sides during sum-
mer and autumn.

Limax maximus. Plentiful by the sides of the Don and the Dee,
at Nether Banchory.

» flavus. Rather common under stones and by the walls of
houses.

» agrestis. Abundant.

» marginatus, Drap. Gardens at Old Aberdeen, Den of Leg-
gart. This Limax may be seen ascending trees to a great height dur-
ing moist weather.

Mollusks. 3879

Helix aspersa. Common about old walls in gardens.
» hortensis. Very abundant.

re ¥s var. fasciata. Common.
m m var. wnicolor. Common.
s f var. arenicola. Rare. In the Belhelvie Link, at

the roots of Ammophila arundinacea and Triticum junceum.

» nemoralis. Plentiful at Birse, about thirty miles from Aber-
deen, up Dee-side ; first found there by Mr. Ewan. I find that it has
the same varieties as H. hortensis.

» arbustorum. Common.

. 2 var. maritima. Plentiful along the coast.

» caperata. Plentiful in cornfields at Upper Banchory, and on
an old granite wall near the brick-kilns, Old Aberdeen.

» hispida. Notcommon. Under stones at the ruins of Dun-
ottar Castle.

» Trochilus. Rare. Banks of the Dee and Don, and the Den
of Rubislaw, among dead leaves.

», lamellata. Rare. Found by Dr. Dickie in the Den of Ru-
bislaw, on the fallen leaves of Acer Pseudo-platanus.

» aculeata. Rare. Den of Rubislaw.

» pulchella. Abundant among moss and in damp places at
Nether Banchory, and sand-hills between the Dee and Don.

» fusca. Plentiful on fallen leaves at the old bridge of Don,
and Nether Banchory.

Zonites rotundatus. Abundant.
», cellarius. Common by walls and hedges, in damp shady
places.
» uitidus. Common among herbage at the foot of walls, and
under stones.
» lucidus. Not common. Don Bridge, and at Nether Ban-
chory ; Den of Leggart.
» radiatulus. Not common. Among decayed leaves at Ne-
ther Banchory and banks of Don.
» alliarius. Abundant on banks among mosses in woods, in
almost every situation.
» crystallinus. Not common. Among moss on the stumps
of fallen trees, at Nether Banchory, Dee and Don banks.
»» purus. More common than the last, in the same situations.
Vitrina pellucida. Common. ‘This may be found in vast numbers
under stones with the animal, and which seems to be destroyed by
Coleopterous insects.

3880 Mollusks.

Succinea putris. Abundant among the herbage on the sides of
marshy places, ditches, &c.
i Pfeifferi. Rare, in ditches.
Bulimus lubricus. Common.
‘ obscurus. Rare, among the ruins of Dunottar Castle.
Pupa umbilicata. Common.

» marginata. Not common. Found on the sand-hills in the
link between the Dee and Don. More plentiful in some seasons than
in others.

Vertigo edentula. Rare. Found at the roots of ferns, sometimes
on the fronds.

Clausilia nigricans. Common, but rather local; at the foot of
rocks some distance South of the Bay of Nigg.

Balea perversa. Rare. Among the ruins of Duhottar Castle, and
at the foot of a wall behind Old Macher cathedral; Old Aberdeen.

Charychium minimum. Rare. Rubislaw Den.

Limneus pereger. Common.

< of var. ovatus. Abundant in Loch Skene ; pools
on the banks of Dee.

bs i var. limosus. Common in marshy places, at
Old Aberdeen and Bay of Nigg.

= palustris. Not common. In pools and streams, near the
sea, and in the low districts.

> truncatulus. Rare. Found in the pool in Belhelvie

Links, by my friend Mr. Wilson; Hilton quarries. Of this shell there
many varieties, depending much on the situation.

Physa fontinalis. Common: in ditches at Nether Banchory ; on
Lemna minor and Potamogetons in the ditches or streams that run
into the Dee and Don.

Planorbis vortex. Common; on aquatic plants, as Potamogetons.

» Spirorbis. Abundant in a ditch at Banner-mill, and in
the links, where it is found on Poa fluitans, Ranunculus aquatilis, &c.

x contortus. Not common. In ditches and pools, upon
grass and decayed leaves, in the Old-town links and at Nether Ban-
chory.

¥ albus, Flem. Rare. On the leaves of Potamogetons in
the canal near Aberdeen.

Ancylus fluviatilis. Common on stones in streams, and the rivers
Dee and Don.

Cyclas cornea. Rare. A beautiful specimen has been found by
Mr. Ewan, in a pool at Morrison bridge.

Mr. Warington’s Aquarium. 3381

Cyclas flavescens, MacGill. Common; in the Loch of Skene, ten
miles to the west of Aberdeen.
Pisidium Jenynsii. Common in all clear stagnant water, both in
pools and ditches.
“ pulchellum. Common in muddy and sandy pools and
ditches ; and most beautiful specimens occur among Sphagna in pools
of water among the hills.

4, nitidum. More rare, but occurring with the last.

- pusillum. Abundant in many places, as in a mill-pond
near the new bridge of Don.

3s amnicum. Rare. In the canal and the Hilton quarries,

Mr. Clark.

Anodon anatinus. Common; in the St. Fergus canal, Banff.

Alasmodon margaritiferus. Common in the Dee and the Don, and
discovered in great plenty in the burn of Canry, at Upper Banchory,
by Mr. Ewan.

All the above have been seen by myself during the last two or three
years, and all occur in Aberdeen and Kincardine shires, with the ex-
ception of Anodon anatinus, which as yet is only found in Banffshire.

In conclusion I may mention that Zonites pygmeus, Planorbis im-
bricatus, Paludina vivipara and Bithinia tentaculata have been found
here, but not alive, and consequently are not included in the list.

JAMES TAYLOR.
Pitmuxton, Aberdeen, March 3, 1853.

[The following note from Mr. Warington appeared on the wrapper of the ‘ Zoolo-
gist’ for April, 1853.—E. N.]
Apothecaries’ Hall, March 26, 1853.
My dear Sir,

In recapitulating my experiments of 1849 and 1850,* in January,
1852,+ I stated that I was carrying out a similar investigation, in the small aquarium,
with a confined portion of sea-water, employing some of the green sea-weeds as the
vegetable members of the series, and the common winkle or whelk to represent the
snail as a scavenger; and in September, 1852, I mentioned that I had succeeded per-
fectly in my endeavours, having had the sea-water quite clear and sweet for upwards
of six months, and had for some time maintained the healthy life of several sea anemo-

* * Quarterly Journal of the Chemical Society, iii. 52. ‘ Zovlogist,’ p. 2868.
+ ‘ Gardener's Magazine of Botany and Garden Companion,’ for January, 1852.
{‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, x. 280. ‘ Zoologist,’ p. 3633.

XI. Y

3882 Arachnida.

nies, &c. Since this period I have received from Mr. Gosse, and several friends, nu-
merous additional subjects to experiment with, which have passed through the trying
period of winter with complete success.

Now as I have heard that other investigators are experimenting with sea-water in
these miniature ponds, I am anxious to take the earliest opportunity of communi-
cating for their benefit the kind of sea-weeds which I have found most beneficial for
the purpose of maintaining the water in this healthy state, so that they may avoid the
difficulties I had myself to encounter in first commencing the experiments. The
plants which appear to answer best are Ulva latissima and other sea varieties of Ulva,
the Enteromorphe, and Zostera marina, particularly the latter. The observations
which I have been able to make on the numerous inhabitants of my aquarium, I hope
to find time to state in detail before long.

I remain, Yours very truly,
Rosert WARINGTON.
E. Newman, Esq.

Note on the supposed Total Abstinence of a Spider.—Mrx. C. R. Bree’s observations
(Zool. 3800) on my communication relative to the “ abstinence ofa spider” (Id. 3766),
have much pleased me by the candid and philosophical spirit in which they are writ-
ten; and I can assure him that a feeling of the difficulty of accounting physiologically
for the so greatly increased bulk of the spider, was my sole inducement to communi-
cate the facts of the case, through the medium of the ‘ Zoologist,’ to those who, from
their greater and more scientific acquaintance with the physiology of animals, might
better than myself offer some solution to the apparent mystery. And, assuming these
facts to have been really, and as they appeared to me on close observation at the time
to be, correct, to throw out the fair deduction from them, “‘ That the spider existed and
even throve without material sustenance during the time in question,” as a point for
discussion, to be established or the contrary, according to evidence; and if establish-
ed, then, how far it could be accounted for by the economy or organization of the ani-
mal under consideration, or by analogy of other examples of organized life, (supposing
in the course of time and observation such analogous examples to arise). I thus re-
corded my observations in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist, as a ‘‘ tittle” of evidence to-
wards the discussion of this point, and not as “a miracle,” nor as set up in opposition
to the principle, “ Ex nihilo nihil fit;” and I do not hesitate to say that I can easily
and without any violence to that principle conceive it to be established (if indeed it
be not already so), that some living creatures can increase to a certain extent, within
a limited time, without having during that time received any sustenance, in the same
way as an elm tree uprooted, or large branch broken off, in the spring of the year,
will, during a certain time afterwards, push forth leaves and small branches. I am
perfectly aware that in this case the leaves &c. are the result of the sap contained in
the branch at the time of disruption; but so, in the case of an animal, may the in-
crease be the result of prior aliment, enabling it to exist and thrive to a certain point,
which passed, it would of necessity die, as also do the leaves &c. of the tree. This
was all I intended to convey in my remarks; and if my words there seemed to con-
vey more, it was entirely contrary to my intention. I here also take the opportunity
of acknowledging the justness of the remark by Mr. Browne (Zool. 3845), that ‘it

Arachnida. 3883

would be as difficult to account for the appearance of the Apteryx in Anglesea,” as for
the physiologist to account for the increase of my spider to “ ten times its original
bulk without material sustenance ;” which, however, I conceive only goes to the ex-
tent of the increase, not to the possibility of any increase whatever. I have, at the risk
of being thought needlessly prolix, gone into the above explanations, to show what
my views were in recording the circumstance, (Zool. 3766). But now, in justice to
the readers of the ‘ Zoologist,’ and more especially to Mr. Bree, who concludes that
the spider did receive nourishment, though unperceived by me; as well as to Mr.
Browne, who is alarmed at the extent of the increase, and, I trust, to their entire sa-
tisfaction, I am enabled to state that they are completely borne out in their conjec-
tures, by the result of further observations made on the subject since my communica-
tion: for within the last month, not only has a small moth made its appearance within
the bird-case, and is now dead in the web, but also a host of minute spiders, probably
the progeny of the one I first observed there, and which died last summer. From this
Iam perfectly ready to acknowledge that the spider, in all probability, did receive
sustenance, which must, as Mr. Bree suggests, have been inclosed in the case with the
spider, since the case is at this moment perfectly free from crack or crevice, although,
as I stated, the fact of its eating anything, or of there having been anything in the
case for it to eat, entirely escaped my observation, though repeatedly and searchingly
directed to what appeared to me a very unusual circumstance. — Octavius Pickard-
Cambridge ; Bloxworth House, April 2, 1853. :

[The following is the account from the ‘ Banffshire Journal, alluded to in Mr.
Pickard-Cambridge’s previous communication, (Zool. 3766).—E. N.]

“A Spider living Twelve Months without Food. — Mr. T. Edwards sends us the
following curious particulars: —‘ Having mounted and arranged a number of birds,
I put them in a case. The case had Jain aside for a short time previous to the front,
which is of glass, being put on; and during this time a spider (Aranea domestica),
doubtless on the look-out for a canny nook, managed to take up his quarters among
the birds, and was not observed until after the front had been attached, and the whole
finished. It was a little vexing to see the unwelcome intruder parading about in the
box, as regardless of its contents as if they had been as many old rotten sticks. He
walked over one bird, then over another ; now in the bottom of the case, then again on
the back, sides, &c., until he at last became stationary in one of the corners. Being
an eyesore in such a place, he would have been summarily dealt with, but for the case
being a close one, and all but hermetically sealed, the re-opening of which would have
cost some trouble, and not a little risk. The consequence was that the little creature
was permitted to remain, in the hope that want and the confinement would soon ter-
minate his existence. In this, however, I have been mistaken; and from being looked
upon as a grievance, he ultimately became an object of some interest, and has in con-
sequence already more than fully repaid the stance which he occupies. ‘Towards noon
of the second day of his incarceration, he commenced operations in the corner already
alluded to, and by breakfast-time of the day following the web was completed. The
little artizan was then observed to walk slowly and very sedately all over the newly-
formed fabric, seemingly with the view of ascertaining if all was secure. This done,
the aperture was next examined, and with more apparent care than was bestowed upon
the rest of the structure. This wonderful mechanical contrivance, which serves at least
the fourfold purpose of storehouse, banqueting-hall, watch-tower, and asylum in times
of danger, being found all right, the artificer then took up his station within it, no doubt

3884 Insects.

to await the success of the net which he had spread, and whence, had fortune proved
kind, he would have boldly rushed to secure the struggling prey. It happened, how-
ever, that no other insect had the misfortune to be imprisoned along with himself, and,
as already hinted, none can get in. There, on his watch-tower, he still remains as
motionless asa statue. There has the patient little animal continued for the space of
twelve long months, having taken up his position on the 3rd of October, 1851, and
kept watch and ward without having ever moved night or day, as far as could be ob-
served, except on three occasions, which, however, were so trifling, that they are not
worth mentioning. But this is not all, as will be anticipated. The animal being still
alive, it follows, as a natural consequence, that life has been sustained during all this
time without the least particle of food having been obtained. The little creature is
still as life-like as on the first day of his imprisonment.’ This circumstance is not a
little curious, and, to the naturalist, the fact must be of some value. Mr. Edwards
adds that the longest period during which, so far as he can learn, spiders have been
ascertained to have lived without food, is ten months.” — From the ‘ Banffshire Jour-
nal, October, 1852.

Some Remarks on the Habits of the Hesperide. — Most writers on Entomology
state that the majority of the Hesperide rest with the fore-wings vertical, while the
hind ones are horizontal. This is certainly the case with many of the species with
which we are best acquainted; but in the great majority of exotic species the wings
are carried either vertically, as in most other diurnal butterflies, or expanded horizon-
tally, as in many Geometre, and occasionally some Nymphalide. I do not remem-
ber having seen any of the Hesperias carry their wings deflexed, as the Castnias and
Noctuide generally do. During my residence in Brazil, I noted accurately these va-
rious modes of repose in all the species I captured, but most of the ticketed specimens
and my notes referring to them are unfortunately lost. I am inclined to think, how-
ever, that this character will serve to divide the family into two, or perhaps three, na-
tural groups. On looking over my own collection, I find about 150 species which sit
with their wings erect ; about 50 with expanded wings; and but very few, which I
cannot now determine with certainty, which carry the fore-wings only erect. On re-
ferring to Messrs. Doubleday and Westwood’s work on the genera of butterflies, I find
that the species of the first division, such as Antoninus, Rhetus, Exodeus, Amyclas,
Gnetus, fulgurator, Celeus and Proteus, belong to the genera Pyrrophyga, Ericides,
Goniurus and Goniloba, and some species of Pamphila, as P. Epictetus. Of the se-
cond division, such as Thyreus, Oreus, Herenius, obscurus, &c., to the genera Pyrgus,
Nisoniades and Achylodes. Those of the third division appear to belong to the genus
Pamphila, but certainly do not include all the species. Some of the long-tailed spe-
cies, such as Goniurus Proteus &c., sometimes expand their wings in the morning sun,
as do some of the Epicalias, Ericinas, and several others; but their true habit is to
rest with their wings erect. I once bred a species of this family, which offered some
peculiarities. The larva was long, cylindrical, smooth, pubescent, and green ; it fed
on the plantain. The pupa was suspended horizontally beneath a leaf of the same
plant, and braced; it was pale green, and the head pointed ; but the greatest peculi-
arity consisted in the spiral tongue being contained in a free external sheath, forming

Zoological Society. 3835

a straight bristle longer than the whole body of the pupa. The perfect insect was one
of those with vitreous spots, closely allied to Goniloba Antoninus. — Alfred R. Wal-
lace ; March, 1853.

Note on Vernacular Names.—Having lately had the good fortune to meet with the
Ist and 2nd volumes of the ‘ Entomological Magazine, to complete my set, I ob-
serve in vol. i. p. 317, the following : — “ Rather Extraordinary —On Sunday, as My.
Wm. Ferris, of Pennywell Lane was in his garden, about 11 o'clock in the forenvon,
millions of insects of the caterpillar species, forming quite a cloud which darkened the
air, passed over him from West to East.—Bristol Mercury.—!!! Ep.” Had the wor-
thy Editor of that volume only known that the common May-beetle or chaffer (Melo-
lontha vulgaris) is called by the name of “the caterpillar” in this part of the kingdom,
it would have eased him of a considerable portion of his doubts as to the correctness
of the statement ; although I believe it is very unusual for such extensive flights to
take place in the middle of the day, the close of the day being much more congenial
to their habits. While upon the subject of this insect, I may as well remark that last
summer, on several successive evenings (very sultry ones), from about sunset to the
end of the twilight, I watched them coming from a pasture field on the opposite side
of the road from a row of houses, (the road running nearly North and South). They
undeviatingly flew from about North-east by East to South-west by West ; not an in-
dividual varied from the assigned course. They averaged about one every second that
passed over the house I stood in front of: how far they extended right and left I can-
not say; I often observed from four to six on the wing at the same time. The flight
was direct, without any wavering one way or the other; a few that seemed not to have
taken a sufficient angle of elevation to enable them to clear the roof, struck against
the upper part of the house, but soon recovering themselves, they followed the same
course as their companions had taken. But to return to the previous subject : — so
completely has the Melolontha possessed itself of the name “ caterpillar,” to the ex-
clusion of its rightful owners, the larve of the Lepidoptera, that when I have been
speaking to persons not acquainted with insect.metamorphoses about the changes they
undergo, if I happened to mention a caterpillar, I have been obliged to explain that
it was not the insect or beetle that children fasten with a thread to make it spin, but
the grub that devours cabbages or other plants that was meant. The name by which
the Lepidoptera are commonly known to the Welch is “ Pillipalla,” an evident cor-
ruption of the Latin Papilio—James Bladon ; Pont-y-Pool, February 14, 1853.

Proceedings of the Zoological Society.

Tuesday, March 8, 1853.—Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the chair.

The Secretary read a letter which had been addressed to Dr. Gray by Mr. Oswell,
respecting the discovery of a rhinocerus by himself and Capt. Vardon, in the country
about the river Limpopo, which they at the time considered to be a new species, as it
probably is. The horns of this animal, brought home by Col. Steele, and about to be
presented by him to the British Museum, were exhibited to the meeting. Their pe-
culiarity consists in the forward direction of the lower horn, the end of which was evi-
dently worn away by contact with the ground in feeding. In a note attached to Mr.

3886 Zoological Society.

Oswell’s letter, Dr. Gray stated that Col. Steele had also brought home the horns of a
new species of Tragelaphus, allied to T. Euryceros and T. Angasii. He proposed to
name it T. Nakong.

Dr. Crisp exhibited the skin of a horn-bill, of which the neck-feathers were covered
with the eggs of an apparently new species of Acarus. Dr. Crisp observed that the
eggs of Acari are always deposited beyond the reach of the beak in birds. Both eggs
and perfect insects were exhibited under the microscope, and the subject was further
illustrated by elaborate drawings.

Dr. Crisp afterwards read a paper on the habits and anatomy of the wolf-fish, con-
taining, among other interesting information, a careful explaration of its dental sys-
tem, and of the intestinal canal.

Mr. Gould exhibited and described the nest and eggs of Menura Alberti, from
specimens transmitted to this country by Mr. Willcox, of Sydney. The structure of
the nest fully corroborated the views which Mr. Gould had developed many years since
as to the position of Menura among the Insessorial birds, in contradistinction to those
of Temminck, [liger, Swainson, and Lesson. The Menura, according to Mr. Will-
cox, only lays one egg, but on that point there exists some doubt. The egg of the
old species, Mennra superba, is still unknown.

The Secretary read a note on the capture of Delphinus Orca in South Greenland,
by Mr. Rehiller, of Thorrhavn, which was communicated by Sir W. Trevelyan, to
whom it was addressed. It contained the description of a method of capturing these
animals with a net, which had proved so successful, that the number taken in West-
manhavn alone, since 1843 (when the net was first used), amounted to 2200, whereas
between 1843 and 1819, 280 only had been secured. As each animal is taken to ave-
rage 30 gallons of oil, this branch of industry has produced upwards of £4000 ee
to the inha®itants of Westmanhavn in the last ten years.

Tuesday, March 22, 1853.

Mr. Gould exhibited to the meeting four species of Tetraogallus, including a new
one from the collection of the Hon. East India Company, obtained in Ladak, which
differs essentially from the older species by its smaller size, its orange legs, and its
sides being streaked with black instead of tender chesnut. The name proposed for it
is T. Thibetanus. The whole of the species live in temperate or snowy regions of the
Himalaya and Caucasus; and the fine health in which T. Caucasicus has for several
months been preserved in the Society's menagerie, would indicate that the whole of
them might be acclimated in the Scotch and Cumberland mountains.

Lieut. Burgess exhibited an extensive series of drawings of the eggs of Indian
birds, made by himself.

Mr. G. R. Gray communicated the descriptions of two new species of Ptilonopus
in the national collection, the habitat of which is unknown. These extremely beauti-
ful birds were characterized under the names of Pt. chrysogaster and Pt. purpureo-
cinctus.

Mr. Westwood directed the attention of the meeting to a series of most interesting
drawings illustrative of the transformations of several genera of Australian insects,
from the able pencil of Miss Scott, of Hunter's Island, New South Wales.

Mr. Cuming communicated a paper on twenty-three new species of land shells

Entomological Society. 3887

from his own collection, by Dr. Pfeiffer. These shells were referred to the genera
Helix, Bulimus, Cyclostoma, Cataulus, Pupina, and Helicina. Mr. Cuming also
communicated the descriptions of three new species of Limnzwacea by Dr. William
Dunker.—D. W. M.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

April 4, 1853.—Epwarp Newman, Esq., President, in the chair,

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — The ‘ Zoologist’ for April; by the Editor. The‘ Atheneum’ for March ;
by the Editor. The ‘Literary Gazette’ for March; by the Editor. The ‘ Journal
of the Society of Arts;’ by the Society. ‘On two new Subgenera of Calanide,’ by
John Lubbock, Esq., F.Z.S., &c.: by the Author. Hewitson’s ‘ Exotic Butterflies,’
part 6; by W. Wilson Saunders, Esq. ‘ Descriptions de trois Coléoptéres:’ ‘ De-
scriptions des Coléoptéres nouveaux: ’ ‘ Rappel des Coléoptéres décrits par Palisot et
Beauvais: ’ all by M. A. Chevrolat, and presented by the Author. Specimens of Co-
leopterous larve with a Spheria attached ; by T. J. Stevens, Esq., Bogota.

T. H. Langcake, Esq., Beeston, near Leeds, and F. Bates, Esq., Leicester, were
elected Subscribers to the Society.

Mr. T. Desvignes exhibited a fine Cheerocampa Celerio, taken by Thomas Thomp-
son, Esq., at Welton, near Brough, Yorkshire; also a new British bee, — Anthidium
maculatum, taken in Scotland by E. C. Buxton, Esq.

Mr. F. Smith remarked that this bee was common in the South of Europe ; and
it was curious and interesting, if no mistake had occurred, to find it first captured in
Britain so far North as Scotland.

Mr. Bond exhibited a Steropus madidus, with a Filaria about 6 inches long pro-
truding from the abdomen; also a Filaria, 15 inches in length, extracted from another

‘specimen of the same species of beetle.

Mr. Douglas exhibited some young larve of a Solenobia, produced from egys laid
by females without male intercourse. Last July, at Charlton, he found larve moving
about on the stem of a poplar tree; he put some into a box with a piece of the bark,
and forgot them until recently, when he found they had produced apterous females
only, and from them had been developed the larve now exhibited, which had died in
the box where they were born.

Mr. F. Smith exhibited some Bruchi reared from seeds of Sophora myrtillifolia
from the Cape of Good Hope. Almost every seed had contained a larva of the Bru-
chus, from the greater number of them, however, only a parasitic Chalcis had emerged.

Mr. S. Stevens exhibited some fine insects, chiefly Lepidoptera, just received from
Mr. Bates, on the Amazon River.

The following extract of a letter from Mr. T. J. Stevens, Corresponding Member,
at Bogota, was read.

“‘ Having seen in the hands of my friend, Mr. Mack, our Consul, a dead larva with
a fungus growing from the body, I was much struck with the curious appearance, and
with some trouble procured specimens from Mr. Haldane, of Palmar, on whose estate

3888 Entomological Society.

they are found. I have forwarded to you four specimens, and now give you extracts
from the information I received from Mr. Haldane, who is no naturalist.

“<The grub is in its glory and is decidedly brought to life in decayed timber. It
is never to be found on trees, but underground, and in timber pulverously rotten. It
does not attack the potato, and is to be found on lands where fern has been extirpated,
but the roots still left behind in a state of decomposition. When found in the hard state
it is always dead. Such specimens are scarce, and although I know where to seek, the
difficulty is to find. Hight years elapsed after the first specimen was brought to me,
ere I could meet with a second ; but in a living state they are known to every clod-
breaker. The body of the grub, when found in the hard state, does not become putrid
in keeping, like other insects in general. The first specimen brought to me had a green
bud protruding from the mouth, resembling a green pea when it first bursts the soil.’ ”

Mr. Andrew Wilson, of Edinburgh, sent a communication recommending chloro-
form as an agent for disabling the larger Lepidoptera before they are killed or pinned,
instead of sulphur or German tinder; and stating that no danger to the person using
it need be apprehended.

The Rev. Joseph Greene communicated the following corrections of his note read
at the March meeting : —

‘Since I wrote to you, I have been informed that the insect taken by Dr. Ball
was Deilephila lineata, and not Huphorbie ; and that the locality was Youghal, in the
South of Ireland. In point of rarity, I believe there is not much difference between
the two; but I thought it better to rectify the error. There is, likewise, one other
slight mistake, which I should wish to correct. Instead of, in my collection are two
specimens of Euphorbie and one of Galii, it should be, one of Euphorbie and two of
Galii.”

The following notes by the Rev. Joseph Greene, “ On digging for pupe of Lepido-
ptera,” were also read :—

“Having met with considerable success in my search for pupe of Heterocerous
Lepidoptera, it has been suggested to me that a few remarks relative to localities, &c.,
might be useful to other collectors. This method of obtaining insects recommends it-
self to the entomologist in three ways. 1. Asan amusement during the winter months.
2. As enabling him to procure fine specimens without the trouble of rearing. 3. As
occasionally rewarding him with rare species, curious varieties, and others, which,
from their habits or forms, are difficult to procure in the perfect state, e. y., apterous
or partialiy apterous females. During the past winter, IT have found the pupe of all
the apterous females, except Nyssia zonaria and Cheimatobia borearia.

“Wherever in the following remarks any statement is made as to certain circum-
stances being uncommon, usual, or invariable, I wish it tobe distinctly understood
that they are so, merely so far as my own personal experience goes.

“ The only instrument I use is a common garden trowel. The form is immate-
rial: perhaps a rounded blade is best, as passing with greater ease between the roots.

“‘ The trees which I have found the most productive are the following : — elm, oak,
ash, poplar, beech, and willow. I never found anything at birch, maple, or chesnut.
Perhaps a short list of a few of the pupe obtained at those trees may prove interesting.

Entomological Society. 3889

“ Elm. — Smerinthus Tilie (why this insect should be called the lime hawk-moth
I know not; I have found dozens of pupe at the roots of elm, but not one at lime),
Petasia cassinea, Teniocampa rubricosa, T. Populeti, T. munda, Cosmia diffinis, Xy-
lina semibrunnea, Anisopteryx Aiscularia ¢ and Q, Hibernia leucophzaria ¢ and
O,H. aurantiaria f and 2, &c.

“ Oak. — Considering the number of larve that feed upun oak, I have been sur-
prised at finding so few pupe at it. This, I suppose, is partly owing to the fact, that
a considerable number of the insects whose larve feed upon oak, do not pass the win-
ter in the pupa state. However, when you do succeed in getting one, it is generally
good; and I have found Notodonta trepida, N. Chaonia, N. Dodoneza, Geometra
Papilionaria, Biston Prodromaria, &c. I was much surprised to find, on two occa-
sions, the empty cocoon of Cerura Vinula on the trunk of an oak.

“ Ash. — Peecilocampa Populi, Acronycta Ligustri, Geometra Lunaria, G. illus-
traria, &c., &c.

“ Beech. — This and the poplar are the best trees. At the former I have found
Lithosia rubricollis, L. aureola, Orgyia Coryli, Notodonta Camelina, Tephrosia conso-
naria, &c. ; at the latter, Phragmatobia mendica, Peecilocampa Populi, Cerura bifida,
C. fureula, Ptilodontis palpina, Notodonta Dictewa, N. Dictzoides, Clostera curtula,
Ceropacha Or, C. ocularis, Ypsipites ruberaria, &c.

“ And now a word with regard to localities. Meadows and parks with scattered
timber trees are decidedly the best localities: being near a wood seems no advantage.
It is, however, a very curious fact, that the nearer these meadows or parks are to inha-
bited places, as towns, villages, or even a single farm-house, the more abundant are
the pupe. I have observed this repeatedly, and in the most marked manner. I may
mention two examples. Nine specimens of Notodonta Dodoneza were all obtained at
the roots of an oak about a dozen yards froma farm-house; and though I searched up-
wards of forty trees in the neighbouring fields, I could not find a pupa of any kind
whatever. Atthe same tree I found Biston Prodromaria and Teniocampa Gothica.
Again, the winter before last (1851-52), being in Dublin, I went to the Phoenix Park
to dig. So long as I continued near the city, I found the commoner sorts of pupz in
plenty; but the further I retired from it, the scarcer they became: until, at about
three miles distance, I could not find one. Ishould be very glad to see some expla-
nation of this curious circumstance. Perhaps it may partly be accounted for on the
supposition that the parent moth is attracted by the lights in the houses, and lays her
eggs on the neighbouring trees.

“ Next to parks and meadows I place woods. Searching in woods, however, is a
tedious and fatiguing affair, and to search successfully requires some experience. Per-
haps the following hints may prove useful. It is in vain to examine the dense portions ;
it is equally vain to dig at the roots of trees, with few exceptions: and you will rarely
find anything, unless upon trees of considerable growth. The thick moss which col-
lects about the trunks and roots, is the part to be examined. Bombyces are generally
(almost invariably) found under the moss which covers spreading roots, and not on the
trunks. The best localities in woods are the borders and open places. It is curious
that such places when elevated, or facing the North, are generally the most. productive.

“There remains one other locality — hedge-rows. These may be dismissed in a
few words: it is perfectly useless to try them. I donot think I have found a dozen
pup in such places: why it should be so I cannot tell. There are, of course, other
localities, but as I have never tried them, I ain unable to give any opinion on them.

XI. Z

3890 Entomological Society.

“ The next point which may be considered worthy of notice, is the mode of search.
This, of course, varies according to locality. In digging, it must be borne in mind
that all pupz are close to the trunk of the tree, seldom more than 2 inches distant.
Frequently the trunk of the tree forms one side of the cocoon, especially the cocoon of
such insects as spin. Again, pune lie close to the surface of the earth, (I have seen
those of Smerinthus Populi and S. Tiliz half ont of the earth); the larva of Calocampa
exoleta is the only one I know of that goes to a considerable depth. Insert then the
trowel about 3 inches from the trunk, to the depth of 2 inches or so; then push it to
_ the tree and turn it up. Ifthe soil be dry and friable, without grass, knock it gently
with the trowel, which will be sufficient. If, however, there be grass, you must pro-
ceed more cautiously: take up the sod in the left hand, knock it very gently with the
trowel, and those pupe which merely enter the ground will drop out. To find those
‘which spin, you must carefully examine the sod, tearing the roots of the grass asun-
der. These are, of course, much the most difficult to find, the cocoons being gene-
rally of the colour of the earth. I may here remark, that it is useless to try sticky or
clayey ground, the caterpillars being unable to penetrate it. In searching under moss,
the best plan is to loosen the edge, then to tear it gently off, observing whether any
pupe fall. Look at the trunk to see if anything adheres to it, and then carefully exa-
mine the moss itself. Experience alone will enable you to detect a spun cocoon.

“ Searching under loose bark requires no comment: one observation, however, on
the Cerure. I have heard it mentioned that the pupe of the kittens are to be found
near the roots : my experience goes to prove quite the reverse. Every one who has
looked for them knows the extreme difficulty of detecting them. I found fifteen last
autumn, and they were all, without exception, at least 2 feet from the ground. The
puss moth certainly forms its cocoon near the ground generally, but not the kittens, I
think. Though not connected with the subject of pupz, I think it may be useful to
mention that the larve of the genus Cerura are always found on the upper side of the
leaf, generally about the centre.

‘Tf I were asked which are the most likely trees, I should say those whose branches
spread out towards the ground, since moths seldom fly to the high branches; those
whose roots form an angle filled with loose dry earth, especially when covered with
grass ; and lastly, those which have a thick loose moss upon them. Nothing however
can be more uncertain than any rules in this matter. You will perhaps see ten elm
trees, to your eye exactly alike: at nine you may find nothing ; at the tenth, possibly
twenty orthirty pupe. I remember, on one occasion, trying a number of ash trees,
without the slightest success, and was about to give up the search as hopeless, when 1
resolved to try one more. At that one I found forty-six pupe of Ennomos illunaria,
and three of Peecilocampa Populi!

“No pupa-hunter can hope for success, unless he have a good stock of patience
and perseverance. He must not mind cold hands, wet feet, or an aching back ; for
although these are drawbacks, yet is the pursuit (to me) quite exciting, when success-
ful, and it will reward the seeker, not merely of Lepidoptera, but also of all the other
orders of insects.

“The longer I continue to dig for pupe, the more convinced I am that one of the
causes of the periodical uncertainty in the appearance of many insects is their inabili-
ty, under certain circumstances, to force their way through the earth. As I have re-
marked, on a former occasion, severe frost following protracted rain will have this ef-
fect, as also will great heat. I once had a singular illustration of this. Digging at

Entomological Society. 3891

the roots of an elm, I turned up a large lump of baked clay. On breaking it, I found
no fewer than sixteen pupe of Teniocampa instabilis imbedded in it: the shells were
quite brittle, and on opening them I fouud the insect perfectly developed, but dead.
Another cause which tends to make insects scarce or uncertain in their appearance, is,
of course, the Ichneumon, that foe to the entomologist. The havoc committed by them
would appear incredible to those who have not witnessed their destructive powers as [
have, while digging for pupe. Take, for example, Lithosia rubricullis. At Guiting
I found the pupz of this insect by hundreds. It is no exaggeration to say that three-
fifths at least of these had been destroyed by Ichneumons. Their empty pupa-cases,
with the circular opening always made by the Ichneumon, lay scattered about by do-
zens ; and I have repeatedly liberated the parasite itself in turning up the sod.

“ It may be asked—‘ How do you know the species of those pupe which are as yet
undisclosed ?’ To this I would answer, chiefly by experience. As a general princi-
ple, it is not difficult to decide to what family a pupa belongs. A Bombyx may some-
times be known at once by its form, which nevertheless yaries considerably. More-
over, all Bombyces form a web or cocoon, at least all those with which I am acquainted
in the pupa state. This, however, is by no means a decisive criterion, as some Noctue
(Acronycta) and Geometre (Tephrosia) do the same. Still, I think a Bombyx may be
known with tolerable certainty, if attention be paid to the following peculiarities : —1.
A web or cocoon. 2. The bulky form of the pupa, which is almost invariably either of
a nearly uniform thickness throughout, and round, or else stout to the middle and ra-
pidly tapering toa point. 3. The form of the antenne (which is an excellent criterion)
and the invariable shortness of the wing-cases: to this I call particular attention. The
genus Lithosia, of which, however, I know only two species in the pupa state, is an
exception to some of these rules. Examples of the rounded form will occur to every
one, as Orgyia potatoria, Cerura bifida, C. furcula, &e. As an example of the taper-
ing form I may mention Orgyia Coryli. Some of the genera, also, among the Bom-
byces may readily be distinguished by the form of the pupe ; I may mention in parti-
cular Notodonta. I think I could instantly detect a pupa of that genus from its form.
I have either reared or found in pupa, Notodonta Camelina, Chaonia, Dictea, Dic-
tezoides, Dodonza, Dromedarius trepida and Ziczac. In all these (with the exception
of Camelina, which slightly differs) the pupa is round, of a nearly uniform thickness,
rounded at the anal extremity, and ribbed.

“The genus Lithosia is quite different. The pupe which I have had (L. rubricol-
lis and aureola) are short and stout, expanding somewhat in the middle, and tapering
slightly towards each end.

“The Geometre are easily distinguished by their size and slender shape, except
the genera Biston, Phigalia, Nyssia, and part of Ennomos. They are, moreover, the
most active pupe, except perhaps some species of the genus Acronycta.

““ It seems to me quite impossible to assert, with any degree of certainty, as to what
subfamily or genus of Noctue or Geometre a pupa belongs to, or to assign any data by
which to decide, except, perhaps, experience and observation ; and even then, owing to
the great resemblance of many species to each other, one is constantly liable to error.
The tree at which a pupa is found will sometimes assist, as showing the food; but
even this is uncertain, as I have found the pupe of insects, whose larve are supposed
to feed on only one particular tree, at many others. I believe, for example, that the
larva of Acronycta Ligustri is said to feed on privet; I never took it there, but have
found the pupa under moss on willow, beech, ash, and oak.”

3892 Microscopical Society.

Mr. G. R. Waterhouse-read a revision of the synonymy of the British species of the
genera Hydrochus and Ochthebius, founded upon an examination of the specimens in
the collection of the late Mr. J. F. Stephens, now in the British Museum; the result
being that in the majority of instances the names given or adopted by Mr. Stephens,
and for which others had been substituted on the continent, would remain.

Mr. Westwood hoped that advantage would be taken of the acquisition by the
Museum of Mr. Stephens’s collections, and the facilities of investigation thereby af-
forded, tv work up other genera or groups of our indigenous insects. He was con-
vinced that, as in the memoir just read by Mr. Waterhouse, one resuit would be the
vindication of Mr. Stephens’s reputation from the aspersions which, he was sorry to
say, had recently been_cast upon it abroad.

Mr. Westwood read a memoir intituled “ Descriptions of new Species of Coleo-
ptera from China and Ceylon,” illustrated by figures of the principal species.—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the Microscopical Society.

January 26, 1853.—GrEorGE Jackson, Esq., President, in the chair.

A paper by the Rev. Wm. Smith, “On the Stellate Bodies occurring in the Cells
of Fresh-water Alge,” was read. After referring to the papers by Mr. Shadbolt, “ On
the Sporangia of some of the filamentous Fresh-water Alge,” published in the 3rd
volume of the ‘ Transactions of the Microscopical Society, the author stated that the
stellate bodies which form the sybject of this paper, are not, in his opinion, the result
of conjugation, as supposed by Mr. Shadbolt, but of some disease affecting the cells in
which they are found, being, in fact, bodies of a parasitic, or, perhaps, of a fungoid
growth, consequent upon the degeneration of the cell-contents. To these star-like
bodies he proposes to give the name of Asteridia, and adduced various facts which he
considered as confirmatory of the opinion he had brought forward, of these bodies be-
ing examples of a singular and far from common monstrosity, produced by a peculiar
disease affecting that curious and interesting class of plants.

A paper by Professor Quekett, ‘“‘On the presence of a Fungus, and of masses of
Crystalline Matter in the interior of a living Oak Tree,’ was also read. Mr. Quekett
stated that while dining with a pic-nic party in Marlborough Forest, in the immediate
vicinity of the King Oak, a large limb of a neighbouring oak fell with a loud crash.
On investigating the fractured portion, which was nearly 3 feet in diameter, the centre
was seen to be covered with a white filamentous mass, studded here and there with
numerous crystals. When examined microscopically, the white mass was found to be
made up entirely of the fibres of a minute fungus, many spores of which were adher-
ent to the fibres. The crystals were mostly of a tabular form, and were ultimately
connected with the fungus, their composition being probably some salt of lime. No
indications of decay were to be observed on the outside of the branch, nor any exter-
nal wound whereby the spores could have gained access to the interior. All the parts
of the wood in the neighbourhood of the fungus were rather softer than usual, and the
woody fibres having been displaced by the growth of the filaments, cavities were form-
ed, and in these the crystals were the most abundant. The occurrence of a fungus in
the heart of a living oak tree, the author believed had never yet been recorded, and its

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3893

presence in this instance might lead to its detection in oak timber previous to its being
employed for building purposes.

”

March 23, 1853.—Georce Jackson, Esq., President, in the chair.

A paper by Dr. Wm. Gregory, F.R.S.E., Professor of Chemistry in the University
of Edinburgh, intituled, ‘‘ Notice of a Diatomaceous Earth found in the Isle of Mull,”
was read. The author commenced by stating that this earth was discovered about
two years ago by the Duke of Argyll, who gavea short account of its geological posi-
tion to the Royal Society of Edinburgh. It constitutes a bed, resembling marl in ap-
pearance, lying in a rough piece of ground at Knock, near Aros, between Loch Baa,
a fresh-water lake, and the sea. It is extremely rich in Diatomaceous remains, con-
taining (according to a synopsis sent with the paper) various species of the genera
Pinnularia, Navicula, Gomphonema, Amphora, Stauroneis, Cocconeis, Durirella,
Cymbella, Himantidium, Tabellaria, Epithemia, Eunotia, Synedra, Fragilaria, and
Orthosira. The most remarkable for their abundance are the genera Pinnularia, Na-
vicula, and Stauroneis; and many of the species of these and of the other genera are
of great rarity. After giving the chemical analysis of this earth, the Professor con-
cluded by stating that the Mull deposit appears to him to be richer in Diatomaceous
species, and perhaps also in genera, than any other known deposit, there being at least
sixty species and sixteen genera enumerated as having been found in it. A portion
of the earth, and some slides containing specimens, accompanied the paper—dJ. W.

Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Saturday, February 12, 1853.—Hveu Mitrer, Esq., President, in the chair.

The first communication laid before the meeting was—‘‘ On some Insects from the
Rocky Mountains, received from the Botanical Expedition to Oregon under Mr. Jef-
frey,” by Andrew Murray, Esq., W.S. After alluding to the principal object of the
Expedition, and describing some of the new Conifere, the seeds of which have been
sent home, Mr. Murray said that when the Association was first started, he suggested
to the Committee of Management that an addition might be made to its funds by ad-
mitting a limited number of entomologists, to receive beetles instead of seeds. In
spring and early summer there would be few or no seeds to collect, while that was the
very best season for insects; and at other times the collecting of the two might be
made compatible, by instructing the collector to make the seeds his principal, and the
insects only his subordinate object. The Committee adopted the suggestion, and the
allowed number of entomologists immediately came forward. Unfortunately, Mr.
Jeffrey was not an entomologist, and consequently, although he has no doubt done
his best, only a very small supply of insects has yet been received. These consist of a
few taken near York Factory and on the way to the Rocky Mountains, a few taken at
Jasper House on their east flank, and the rest on the west flank.

Mr. Murray handed round a box containing the specimens which fell to his lot,
with the insects from the different quarters placed slighily apart. Those in the first
detachment were taken near York Factory (the nearest point to this country visited by

3894 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Mr. Jeffrey), and it was evident that a very great resemblance existed between them
and the insects of this country. One or two British specimens of the same species
were placed on coloured paper immediately after some of the American specimens, in
order that the members might have an opportunity of comparing them ; and in these
instances they appeared to be nearly the same. There are a considerable number of
insects which are common both to North America and Europe. Kirby, in Richard-
son’s ‘ Fauna Boreali-Americana, describes forty-nine beetles as identical. So far as
Mr. M.’s observation went, he was of opinion that they were too close to be specifically
separated ; but still that there is a slight difference, which enables a practised eye to
detect which is American and which is British: but such variations were looked upon
by Mr. M. as the effect of the difference of food. and climate. The next division in
the boxes contained the insects taken on the east flank of the Rocky Mountains, and
among them were two or three very beautiful undescribed Carabi. The last division
comprised those from the west flank of the Rocky Mountains, most of which also are
undescribed. Among them were a few specimens of a representative of our blister-fly,
and next to these, on coloured paper, was placed the common blister-fly of Europe. A
considerable number of these beetles was received, in fact, a greater proportion of them
than of any other species ; from which it was inferred by Mr. M. that they are found
in large numbers, in the same way as they are in Europe, and that when a great em-
pire shall have grown up on the west of the Rocky Mountains, the apothecaries of its
cities would be supplied with this essential article from their own hills. That the spe-
cies has the same blistering properties as the European insect, Mr. M. had not the
least doubt: the specimens of course are too few and too valuable to allow of any of
them being pounded to make the experiment, but the whole of the spirits in which the
insects came home was tinged by them of their own greenish hue. The only other in-
sects in the lot which particularly required attention, were two that were placed last,
and stood a little apart. The first was a Carabus, of very curious form, or rather, per-
haps, a new genus approaching Carabus, which Mr. M. proposed to call apoplecticus,
from its apoplectic appearance. The other small fawn-coloured insect beside it was by
far the most curious of the whole. Mr. M. believes it to be an undescribed species of
a most extraordinary genus of beetles (Nemognatha, Latr.), of great rarity, and which
he imagined few of the members had had an opportunity of seeing before. The
extraordinary part of the insect consisted in the two curling appendages at its mouth.
For the benefit of the non-entomological members present Mr. M. described the prin-
cipal parts of a beetle’s mouth in their normal state, and illustrated his description by
a sketch, in which the mandibles were coloured black and the maxille red.. In the
normal state, the mandibles and maxilla (to which Mr. M. wished in this instance to
call attention), like the antenne and palpi, as well as every other part of an insect,
vary much in form; but however much they do so, they still bear the same relation to
the rest of the body. In the insect exhibited by Mr. M. there appeared to be a devi-
ation from this rule: all the other parts remained in their normal state, while the max-
ill were changed into long flexible processes (coloured blue in the sketch) projecting
from the mouth. These processes appeared to be composed of a succession of rings
meeting at the back. The specimen being unique, is too valuable to be sacrificed for
dissection, so that it cannot be ascertained whether the processes are tubular or not,
but they have every appearance of being so; in fact, they bear a strong resemblance
to the trunk of an elephant, with the exception of the termination, for instead of hav-
ing a mouth or opening, they appear to terminate in a point; at least, with the most

Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. 3895

powerful lens, Mr. M. has been unable to discover any opening at the end of the tube.
This strange conversion of the maxille would find a parallel, were we to suppose an
elephant with a pair of additional trunks (though impervious) issuing from its mouth,
in place of the molar teeth. These observations have been made solely from the dried
specimen, which occurred among the lot that fell to the share of Dr. Lowe, to whose
kindness Mr. M. said he owed the specimen, as well as several others of the most va-
luable in the box. Dr. Lowe was at once struck with the singular appendages above
described, which he found to be highly flexible when the insect was taken out of the
spirits. As to their probable use, Mr. Murray said he could not even hazard a con-
jecture, as there is no information regarding the habits of the insect ; but he might
say that, to his eye, the organs appeared to have more relation to the antenne than to
anything else. A few species of this genus have been already found in North Ame-
rica and Mexico, as well as five ur six in Africa; but they are very scarce. In the
corner of the box there were a few specimens of two insects (an Anobium and a Cryp-
tophagus) which came home alive, feeding on the pine-cones, and which, however ac-
ceptable to him as an entomologist, he (Mr. M.) could honestly say he would rather
have dispensed with, for the sake of his horticultural friends, who may have suffered
from their ravages.

Mr. R. F. Logan next exhibited and described various additions to the Lepido-
ptera of Edinburghshire, captured during the last year. After placing at the disposal
of the Society, for the use of the members, a few copies of the “ Catalogue of the Le-
pidopterous Insects of Mid Lothian,” published in the ‘ Naturalist,’ Mr. Logan enu-
merated twenty-eight additional species which had been unintentionally omitted from
the list; among them were Agrotis Lunigera, Eupithecia palustraria, Micropteryx fas-
tuosella, GEcophora senescens, and several other species of interest. He then read a
list of twenty-five species added during the past summer (1852), and exhibited the in-
sects, among which were Phleodes immundana, Lithocolletis Messaniella, Z., Nepti-
cula Argyropeza, Z., Gelechia politella, Doug., Gelechia Authyllidella, G. marmorea,
Crambus dumetellus, C. contaminellus, and Actebia precox. In conclusion, be
brought before the notice of the Society the plan of a work which he projected, should
it meet with sufficient support, to be intituled ‘ Illustrations of Scottish Lepidoptera,
in which he intended to figure many of the rarer and more interesting species, with
details of their transformations and economy. He exhibited a number of the draw-
ings in preparation, three or four of which would form a part, to be issued quarterly ;
and solicited the names of subscribers, to enable him to carry out his undertaking.

Mr. Hugh Miller read a paper “On the Red Sandstone, Marble, and Quartz-
rock Deposits of Assynt, with their supposed Organisms and probable Analogues.”

James Bonar, Esq., W.S., York Place, and George Meldrum, Esq., Accountant,
53, York Place, were balloted for and unanimously elected Members of the Society.

———_—-

Saturday, March 12, 1853.—Hvucu Miter, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following donation to the library was announced, and thanks ordered to be
given to the donor: —‘ Description of a Skeleton of the Mastodon giganteus of North
America:’ presented by the author, John C. Warren, Esq., M.D., Boston, U. S. A.

Read, a paper by William Rhind, Esq., intituled, “ Facts respecting the Laws
which regulate the Distribution of Rivers and the principal Watersheds of the Earth.”

3896 Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.

Mr. R. F. Logan then read a note “On the Exuviation of Chydorus sphericus,
one of the smallest of the British Entomostraca.” When first observed, Mr. L. said
the specimen was swimming about along with another of the same species, but soon
attached itself by the feet to portions of the decayed grass and Conferve under the mi-
croscope, and, when disturbed from one station, speedily assumed another. At last it
fixed itself on a piece of Conferva, with its back uppermost, and commenced contort-
ing and bending itself within the shell, which speedily ruptured across the centre of
the back, (as shown in an interesting drawing exhibited by Mr. Logan); and in a few
seconds the animal withdrew itself, leaving the exuvia perfectly entire, with the excep-
tion of the fissure across the carapace. The whole proceeding did not last more than
two or three minutes ; and in the course of as many more it was swimming about again
as lively as ever, a little paler and more transparent at first, but rapidly assuming its
ordinary colour.

Dr. John Alex. Smith exhibited a specimen of a black-coloured duck, of which, he
said, he was rather puzzled to distinguish the species. It belonged to the genus Anas
of Gray’s ‘ Genera of Birds,’ and bore a considerable resemblance to the mallard. Its
colour, however, is entirely a dusky brownish black on the upper parts of the head and
body, slightly glossed with green and’purple reflections ; the under parts are more of a
brown colour, the chin and lower parts of the head mottled with grayish brown; a very
small whitish spot on the lower part of the neck in front ; under parts of the body dark
brown, edged with lighter brown ; sides and abdomen dusky brown; under tail-coverts
edged with lighter brown ; the primaries and their coverts are dusky brown, seconda-
ries darker, the dull speculum dark green, glossed with purple, and faintly edged with
light brown; under the wings the colours are light grayish white, the lesser coverts
dusky brown, edged with grayish white, the axillaries being of this light colour on the
one side, and dusky on the other. The bill was greenish dusky, the nail black; the
tarsi and feet were reddish orange, the webs dusky, the hind toe small, slightly edged
with a membrane. The bird, when stuffed, measured 23 inches from the bill to the
extremity of the tail; bill, 24 inches along the ridge; wing from flexure, 10} inches ;
length of tarsus, 2 inches; middle toe, 23 inches; hind toe, } aninch. Dr. Smith
said he had examined the body of the bird, and found that the trachea was without
dilatation, the bird being a female ; the stomach was a powerful gizzard, 24 inches
across, and contained some small pieces of white quartz, and apparently the remains
of aquatic larve. The intestine was 59 inches, and the two ceca were 5% and 64
inches long. Dr. Smith remarked that it did not agree with the description of any of
our British birds, and appeared to him somewhat to resemble that of the dusky duck
of North America (Anas obscura), with which it agreed in general dimensions, but
which he believed was quite unknown in Europe; or it might more probably be one of
those strange hybrids which occur among ducks, as with the mallard and Muscovy
duck. The bird was in perfect and unbroken plumage, and had not the slightest ap-
pearance of having escaped from confinement. He was indebted to Mr. John Dick-
son, jun., gun-maker, Prince’s Street, for being able to exhibit the bird, and that gen-
tleman had also favoured him with a few particulars of its capture. It was shot on
the river Ouse, not far from York, on the 11th of February, and when first observed, was
flying high in the air with other ducks. When closely watched, it was found that they
were three in number—which, by the way, is rather against the idea of their being hy-
brids. One was supposed to be a male, its general plumage being described as of a

Natural-History Collectors. 3897

glossy black, and shining like a rook’s; it had a white bar on the wings, and, appa-
rently, a broad ring of white round the neck: the others were supposed to be females,
from their duller plumage. The birds were very shy, and were carefully followed for
six miles before it was possible to get a shot at them; and on doing so, the two re-
maining birds immediately took flight, rising very high in the air, and were soon com-
pletely out of sight ; and although the river was carefully watched for several days, no
trace of them could again be found.

Dr. Smith also exhibited a specimen of the red-headed pochard (Anas ferina),
which is not a very common bird in Scotland, occurring generally during severe storms.
It measured nearly 30 inches from tip to tip of the wings; whereas, in Macgillivray’s
Birds, it is described as only 253 inches. It was shot on the Forth, near Stirling.

A fine specimen of the gray plover (Squatarola cinerea), shot near Dunbar in the
beginning of February, and two specimens of the greenshank (Totanus glottis), shot in
the same neighbourhood about the beginning of February, were also exhibited, neither
of them being a common bird in the district.

And, lastly, Dr. Smith called the attention of the meeting to a specimen of the
common curlew (Numenius arquata), which by some accident had lost nearly the half
of its upper mandible. The point had, however, become quite rounded, so that the
poor bird had contrived to pick up a rather difficult subsistence, even under such un-
propitious circumstances.

Proceedings of Natural-History Collectors in Foreign Countries.

Mr. H. W. Bates.*—“ Santarem, November 22, 1852.—I now for-
ward the results of my Tapajos voyage, consisting of three boxes of
insects, a case of medicinal and economic Botany, a barrel of fishes
and reptiles in spirits, a few birds, eggs, nests, shells, mammals, &c.,
the present being the only opportunity of sending them to Para since
L arrived. The vessel they go by is heavily laden, and IJ feel rather
nervous about the safety of the many precious things I commit to it ;
but there is no remedy, as there will be no other opportunity so good
till January. I wrote to you soon after my return, saying how unwell
I was at the time; I am sorry to say I have been still worse, and have
suffered severely from the fatigue of the voyage and the unhealthiness
of the Tapajos, (nearly all the branch rivers here are pestilential) ; but
still I have had no acute disease, merely bilious attacks, head-aches,
prostration of strength, &c. Medicine only made me worse; so I put
myself on a rigid diet, took gentle exercise, avoided close application
and exposure to the sun. For these reasons I have been unable to
send you many notes on the collection sent — only copying my note-

* Communicated by Mr._S. Stevens.
KE. - 2A

3898 Natural-History Collectors.

book on the.specimens of economic and medicinal Botany. I should
have liked to send my notes on the fishes, but it would have been
necessary to copy my rough pen and ink outlines of the species —the
only means, of course, of recognizing them ; but my ill health quite
disabled me from all close application. There must be, I am sure,
some rare and curious fishes amongst them, as they were chiefly taken
in remote creeks in the depths of the forest. There is a Syngnathus,
some curious Apodes, Esocidz, and a Pleuronectes; also some pretty
things allied to the Percide. I hope the rum, which I have renewed,
will preserve them until they reach you: tomorrow, I will get a case
made for the barrel, which is leaky, and paint it thickly over, as it is
not safe to send it loose.

“T have now summed up the expenses of the four months’ trip ; it
amounts to £50, within a few shillings. I went to work in the most
economical manner, denying myself all luxuries and conveniences,
and I don’t think I, or any one else, can travel thus in one’s own ves-
sel, so cheap again. I am afraid it will not pay, and that we must
come to the conclusion that districts where one cannot travel by fa-_
vour as passenger, avoiding the expense of a vessel, and a lot of lazy
natives (one item of my expenses is £6 for rum, chiefly given away),
are not remunerative to explore; and therefore, where there are not
civilized towns, I, for one, shall not attempt to travel again.

““ My private collection of insects I still retain; it preserves very
well in Downie’s boxes, and I find it very useful for comparison of
fresh captures : it contains 2200 specimens, singles and pairs only,
nearly all Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, and of course has a glorious
amount of new things. Since my insects were packed I have resumed
my excursions, but to avoid too much fatigue, only three days a week.
I have added about half-a-dozen new and curious Diurnes. The wea-
ther is unprecedentedly dry, nearly three months without a shower !
Vegetation is withered up, except in virgin forests along the water-
courses beyond the campos of Santarem. |

“T was not successful in shells up the Tapajos; I arrived at a place
where the Anastoma certainly was abundant, but I saw only dead
bleached shells in the clearings ; the natives told me they never saw
it alive, but suppose it conceals itself under old logs &c., and is burnt
up when they burn their clearings, and only comes out in the wet
season. I tried every means I knew of to procure the living shell,—
dug about roots of trees, turned over great numbers of rotten logs, got
a good many felled trees chopped up, searched in moist forests, and
dug by banks of creeks, &c., and now suppose it conceals itself deep

Natural-History Collectors. 3899

in the earth in the dry season, and that this is the reason I could not
find it. I send a few of Helix rosarea &c.

“‘T am delighted to hear that my paper on the Megacephali is to be
so much honoured as to be published in the ‘Transactions of the
Entomological Society,’ and now look forward anxiously to receive a
copy. I found no Megacephali in the Tapajos, although I searched
the vast tracts of sandy beaches in the river; the cause of their ab-
sence, and that of other shore Coleoptera, is the abundance of a vora-
cious stinging ant, which swarms on all the shores to an extent I can
give you no idea of: it is so annoying, that villages have been forsa-
ken on account of it: one cannot land on any shore without being
instantly overrun and stung severely. These ants burrow in the sand,
and there is scarcely a square inch of ground on the Tapajos shore
free from them: what sand-insect can stand against such an enemy ?

“ |] hope some of my specimens of medicinal and economic Botany
may prove curious and saleable. I have never lost sight of the sub-
ject, chiefly from my desire to serve my good friend, Mr. Saunders ;
but in a country so uncivilized as this is, it is impossible to get up the
series of specimens as they ought to be. 1. There is no trade in wood
or timber; and itis only on a chance occasion that a carpenter here
gets more than two or three of the common kinds of wood: even of
these woods, I have tried to coax one or two carpenters to make up
for me a few squares, for payment, of course, but it is out of their re-
gular way, and they won't doit. 2. In the midst of such a vast vari-
ety of trees in the forest, it is difficult to find the particular species of
tree you have an illustration of (say the wood), and want a flower, a
piece of bark, &c.; and it is only a very few persons who can thus
recognise the few known and useful trees, the far greater part not hav-
ing even native names. If you get a rare chance of seeing a tree in
the forest, say a Masaranduba or an Itariba, ten to one it is not in
flower or fruit, and your guide cannot tell you when it does flower.
All this has happened to me repeatedly, and I despair of getting up
the illustrative series of economic Botany complete. I have, as you
will see, often sent you a branch of leaves only of some interesting trees.

“IT am now uncertain as to my future proceedings, and depend
much on results of sales of the collections of May and June, your let-
ters about which I am daily expecting. There is still enough for a
six months’ journey up the Tapajos, going at least 100 or 200 miles
above my last point; but we must conelude that there in not a great
difference in the insects in this direction, such as takes place about
Ega: and besides, the moist forest valley ceases about 200 miles up,

3900: Notices of New Books.

when insects are undoubtedly much fewer. If the report is true that
a steamer is about to run from Para to beyond Ega, there is a chance
of my again visiting the marvellous country of the Upper Amazons.
From Santarem there is no conveyance to Ega: to buy a canoe, and
go up on one’s own account, by easy stages, as you once proposed,
has only one difficulty — hands to work it, and that I find nearly im-
possible to surmount. Indians cannot be got by any means a poor
stranger like myself can command. Considering these things, I think
it better not to send me any parcels after the receipt of this: for if I
see no chance of being further useful in this country, I shall leave for
England about April next; if I meet with a good chance of going up
to Ega, of course I will write to you immediately, to make other
arrangements.

“ After all, I think our great difficulty is want of means of travelling
liberally. If one could spend £200 or £250 a year, have a handsome
canoe, a well-paid pilot, &c., with goods &c. to make liberal presents
with, one could go anywhere, and meet with every assistance.

“ An intelligent Spaniard came down from Quito vid the Napo the
other day. He said the privations of the voyage on the river were
such, that to return to Quito he preferred going round by Cape Horn.
He came down with the current; how much worse then would it be
to work up against the current, for ten months prisoners in a canoe!

“HH. W. Bates.”

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

‘ The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 65, dated
May, 1853.

THis number of the ‘ Annals’ contains the following papers : —

‘On the Occurrence of Palms and Bambus [Bamboos] with Pines
and other Forms considered Northern, at considerable elevations
in the Himalaya.’ By Major Madden, H.E.I.C.S., F.R.S.E., M.R.
Dublin Society.

‘On the Genus Pachybathron, and on some new Species of Margi-
nella.” By J. S. Gaskoin, Esq.

‘Remarks upon British Plants.’ By Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. !

On the Persecution of Birds and Animals. 3901

‘On the Genera of the Tribe Duboisiex.’’ By John Miers, F.R.S.,
F.L.S.

‘On Marine Vivaria.” By William Thompson, Esq.

‘ Rambles in Ceylon.’ By Edgar Leopold Layard, Esq.

_ ©A Revision of the Genera of some of the Families of Conchifera,
or Bivalve Shells. By J. EK. Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S., V.P.ZS.

_ Bibliographical Notice: —‘ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie.’ Par
M. F. E. Guérin Méneville.

Proceedings of Learned Societies :-— Royal Institution—Zoological
Society.

Miscellaneous :—On the Nervures of Leaves and their distribution ;
by L. von Buch. On the occurrence of large quantities of the Shells
of Anodonta cygnea on the Sea-coast near Sandgate; by Francis
Brent, Esq. Description of a new Genus of Gorgoniade ; by J. E.
Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S., P.B.S., &c. Note on a new Species of Franco-
lin; by Dr. Nicholson, H.E.I.C. Medical Service.

From Mr. W. Thompson’s paper ‘On Marine Vivaria,’ it appears
that he has for some years been following up, and with complete suc-
cess, Mr. Warington’s plan, of keeping the water pure by preserving
the balance of animal and vegetable life. The experiment is a most
interesting one; and the cases constructed for this purpose at the
Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, will doubtless be a source of great
attraction during the present summer.

On the Persecution of Birds and Animals, unhappily so general in
this Country. By the Rev. ALFRED CHARLEs SMITH, M.A.

In my “ Notes on the Natural History of Norway,” I have already
alluded to the continual and wanton persecution of birds in England,
as contrasted with their kind treatment in Norway ; and their conse-
quent confidence and familiarity with man in the one country, their
shyness and fear in the other. Perhaps some may be inclined to think
that this difference arises from the very scanty population of the one
- country, and the swarming multitudes of the other: undoubtedly, the

_ two countries are widely different in respect to population; but while

numbers of inhabitants on the one hand may have the effect of caus-
ing greater wariness in birds, on the other hand they produce greater
familiarity with man. At any rate, whatever effect this may have, I
must still assert that I fear our own countrymen cannot lay claim to

3902 On the Persecution of Birds and Animals,

that universal kindness towards the animal creation, which is so
remarkable in the Norwegian character. |

Now the persecution of which I complain is twofold. 1. That cru-
sade against birds and animals, which arises from the erroneous im-
pression that they are injurious to the farmer and gardener. 2. The
indiscriminate and wanton persecution of all kinds of birds and ani-
mals, for no cause or purpose whatever. 1 am sure the readers of the
* Zoologist’ will agree with me, that this is a subject well deserving
the attention of naturalists; and if we could induce a dispersion of
narrow-minded prejudices, and an adoption of greater benevolence
towards the animal kingdom, we should do more for our favourites,
than volumes of anecdotes in their praise. To effect this desirable
object is undoubtedly difficult, as we have to contend with false im-
pressions long entertained, with deep-rooted and long-established
views of expediency, handed down, in many cases, from our forefa-
thers, as well as with a certain innate love of destruction peculiar to
mankind from the days of Nimrod to the present time: we are often
met with most dogged obstinacy, most persevering determination to
cling to the old custom, irresistible ignorance, and secret but not the
less strong suspicions that we are concealing the truth. Perhaps this
prejudice is strengthened, in some measure, from the well-intentioned
but often erroneous arguments of many warm-hearted naturalists
themselves: in defending their favourites, they often overrun the
mark ; and, too loud in their praises, and too eager to acquit them of
committing injury, they do not perceive that they are but strengthen-
ing the preconceived opinions of their opponents, who, knowing that
rooks will eat seed sown, and that moles zw7ll stop drains, see that
their defenders are one-sided arguers, prejudiced on their side, in their
behalf, and so turn a deaf ear to their arguments. But now let the
cause be fairly and truly drawn; let nothing be concealed; let the
injuries as well as the benefits done by the bird or animal be clearly
shown, and I have little fear for the result. Men will learn to see
how wonderful the balance held by Nature without the intervention of
man; that He who gave the bird his life to enjoy, at the same time
provided food for the sustenance of that life, without any dependance
on man. The rook may be tempted by the newly sown and newly
springing corn, or by the ripening crops; but during all the rest of
the year what thousands of grubs does he not destroy — what multi-
tudes of wireworms which lesser birds with weaker bills cannot reach?
The mole may burrow into the drains, and, in a well-drained farm,
may do considerable damage ; but, for the generality of land, what an

On the Persecution of Birds and Animals. 3903

ally to the husbandman — what a destroyer of grubs! But I did not
mean, in this paper, to show the comparative benefit or injury effected
by these or any particular species of the furred or feathered race; for
this, let me refer the reader to those admirable ‘ Essays on Natural
History, by Mr. Waterton (and particularly to the Essay on the Barn
Owl in the first series, and to those on the Rook in the first and
second series), to Bishop Stanley’s little work on birds, to the
‘Zoologist’ passim, and other sources of similar information. My
object is merely to call attention to this fact, the perception of which,
I am truly glad to say, is daily gaining ground amongst the farmers
and others in this country, namely, that indiscriminate and wholesale
destruction, and in some cases, even the extirpation of certain animals
and birds formerly so much in vogue, is not expedient, but the con-
trary. Well-timed expostulation may, I think, very often remove
prejudices long entertained against them; but nothing can be so con-
vincing to the farmer and gardener as actual proof, which dissection
enables us readily to offer.

With the first class of persecutors, who wage systematic war with
certain of God’s creatures which they suppose to be injurious to them,
I advocate gentle means, as most promising of success. They have,
or think they have, some reason for their enmity, and so deserve to be
met with courteous though earnest remonstrance, kind though firm
arguments, gentle though grave expostulation. Not so with the se-
cond class of persecutors, to whom I have already alluded, who wan-
tonly, and from the mere love of cruelty, never lose an opportunity of
destroying or injuring the animal creation: with these I would coun-
sel open and incessant war. Now, it is hardly necessary for me to
remind any observer, that such a general and cruel persecution of
animals, whether birds, beasts, or insects, does prevail in this country
to a very great extent, and especially among the lower orders ; every
one will know how the accidental appearance of any creature within
the grasp of the labourer, is usually the certain signal for its murder.
Who ever heard of a poor innocent field-mouse being spared, if he
strayed within the reach of the digger’s spade? Who ever heard of
the harmless hedgehog being suffered to remain rolled up in his
prickly coat till danger was over, and then to trot back to his cover,
without being kicked to death by the iron-clad boot of the hedger, or
crushed by some deadly weapon? Who ever saw the poor snake suf-
fered to continue his path through the grass, unharmed by the vindic-
tive stone or the murderous stake? Where is the man or boy that
gave back liberty to the poor bird which has accidentally fallen into

3904 On the Persecution of Birds and Animals.

his hands? Where the peasant who has neglected the opportunity to
maltreat the insect, be it cockchaffer, or butterfly, or any other, that
has come within his grasp? I fear we should search in vain for such
kindly feeling amongst the uneducated part of our community; and
too often is their example followed by those whose education should
have taught them that they have no right wantonly to destroy that life
which the universal Creator has given His creatures for their enjoyment.

As an instance of this thoughtless cruelty, [ must give an account
that has just come to my notice. Some labourers were pulling down
an old wall, in the thickness of which they found one of those pheno-
mena, so frequently heard of and so unsatisfactorily accounted for,
a toad completely embedded in stone and mortar. “'There was no
doubt,” said the labourer who described it, “that he had been there
for a great number of years, for there was no hole or chink by which
he could have entered or left the place of his long sojourn.” “Well,”
said the listener to his account, “ but are you sure that the toad was
alive when you found it?” “ No doubt of that, Sir,” said the man,
“¢ for he crawled out of his round hole, and was moving away, when I
knocked him on the head with my pickaxe.” So here was this poor
harmless creature, whose long incarceration in his gloomy dungeon
might have excited compassion in his favour, suddenly released from
his prison, only to be slain by his liberator! Well might this toad
(if toads be musical) have sung those touching lines at the close of
‘ The Prisoner of Chillon : ? —

“ Tt might be months, or years, or days,

I kept no count—I took no note,

I had no hope my eyes to raise,

And clear them of their dreary mote ;
At last men came to set me free,

I ask’d not why, and reck’d not where,
It was at length the same to me
Fettered or fetterless to be,

I learn’d to love despair.

And thus when they appear’d at last,
And all my bonds aside were cast,
These heavy walls to me had grown
A hermitage,—and all my own!
And half I felt as they were come
To tear me from my second home.”

It is marvellous how naturally the death of the toad ensued in this
man’s mind upon his discovery; and yet, there is no reason to set

Quadrupeds. 3905

him down as unusually cruel and wanton. Any other labourer in his
place would probably have done the same thing ; they have seen no-
thing but persecution against such creatures, and they do but follow
the practice of their fathers.

It is therefore, as I conceive, a subject by no means beneath the
notice of our most scientific zoologists, ornithologists and entomolo-
gists, to endeavour, by any and every means in their power, to bring
about a kindlier feeling in the people of this country towards the ani-
mal creation, by never losing an opportunity of pointing out the use-
lessness and the cruelty of such persecution. It is a subject on which
the country gentleman may expatiate with advantage to his labourers
and servants; and it is one that may most deservedly and properly be
introduced by the clergyman in his parish school, and instilled into
the hearts of all his people. And I am quite sure it will ever be found,
that those who practise systematic kindness to the animal race, are
far more kindly disposed to the human race, are far more amiable and
gentle towards their fellow creatures, and have better hearts as Chris-
tians, than those who wantonly and cruelly persecute and destroy the
wonderful and beautiful creatures which the Almighty, in His infinite
wisdom, has made and endowed with life and with feeling.

ALFRED CHARLES SMITH.

Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
May 6, 1853.

Occurrence of the Otter in Derbyshire ——The following may be interesting to some
of the readers of the ‘ Zoologist,’ and will support, by additional evidence, my friend
Mr. Wolley’s communication in the April number, (Zool. 3843). My cousin, Sir J.
Harpur Crewe, of Calke Abbey, co. Derby, has now in his possession, stuffed, a beau-
tiful pair of full-grown otters, which have been taken within the last three years by
his keepers, on the banks of the Trent, in the neighbourhood of Calke. — H. Harpur
Crewe ; 17, Cavendish Road, St. John’s Wood, April 15, 1853.

Occurrence of the Water-shrew (Sorex fodiens) at Castle Eden. — On Friday last,
the 6th instant, a party of nine or ten of these beautiful little creatures were seen run-
ning along a path in a plantation in this place (Castle Eden), about a mile from any
water. I obtained one of them, a full-grown male. The water-shrew has never be-
fore been observed in this neighbourhood, so far as I can learn: its habits, of course,
might easily conceal it from observation ; but the occurrence of so large a party, in
such a situation, seems to suggest the idea that possibly, like some of its congeners,
the water-shrew migrates at times to a considerable distance from its usual haunts.—
H. B. Tristram ; Castle Eden, Durham, May 10, 1853.

Anecdote of a Cat and a Kestrel Hawk.—1 am indebted to a lady of my acquaint-
ance for the following incident: — A tame kestrel, which is kept in a garden with one

KI; 2B

3906 Birds.

wing cut, has contracted a friendship with a cat inhabiting the same premises, which
the latter reciprocated on a recent occasion by bringing a live mouse, and putting it
down before its friend the hawk, who immediately attacked and devoured it; the cat
in the mean time sitting quietly by at a short distance, complacently observing its ally
enjoying the result of this display of feline benevolence. —J. H. Gurney ; Easton,
Norfolk, May 17, 1853.

Note on the Geographical Distribution of Accipiter Tachiro and Terekia cinerea.—
Aceipiter Tachiro. — The Norwich Museum contains an adult male specimen of this
fine sparrow-hawk from the neighbourhood of Erzeroum, in Armenia. I am not aware
that any other localities have hitherto been quoted for this species, than the southern
and eastern portions of the African continent. Terekia cinerea. —'The Norwich Mu-
seum also contains a specimen of this curious little wader, in nearly full breeding plu-
mage, obtained in South Africa. I am not aware of this bird having been included
in any list of African birds, although it is known to exist in Europe, Asia and Austra-
lia.—J. H. Gurney ; Euston, Norfolk, May 17, 1853.

On the Occurrence of the Golden Oriole (Oriola Galbula) in Norfolk.—T wo speci-
mens of the golden oriole were sent to Norwich to-day to be preserved: they were both
very fine male birds, and both in the flesh. One had been shot at Kenninghall, and
the other at Dilham, the distance between the two localities being rather under thirty
miles in a straight line.—Zd.

Occurrence of the Golden Oriole (Oriolus Galbula) near Weymouth. — On the 4th
of May, an adult male of the golden oriole (Oriolus Galbula) was shot near the village
of Fleet, which is about three miles to the westward of Weymouth. I have this day
seen it, and believe this to be its first occurrence in Dorsetshire. — William Thomp-
son ; Weymouth, May 7, 1853.

Occurrence of the Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) in Lincolnshire—The record of the
occurrence of the Apteryx at large in Wales (Zool. 3845), induces me to mention an
instance of a straggler, captured in England, of a species scarcely less likely to be
found in these latitudes. In the spring of 1850, I was told by a friend, the Rev. J.
Brewster, of Greatham, and of Laughton, Lincolnshire, that his butler had obtained a
bird which he believed to be new to the British Isles. I called on the man and pro-
cured the bird, which proved to be a specimen of the jacamar (the Galbula ruficauda
of Cuvier, G. Leptura, Swainson), a female in perfect plumage, though badly mounted.
On further inquiry I found that the bird was shot in the month of June or July, 1849,
by S. Fox, the gamekeeper of H. Bacon Hickman, Esq., on a manor adjoining Laugh-
ton, in the parish of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. 1t was flying over a small brook in
a wood, apparently in pursuit of butterflies, and bore no marks of having escaped from
captivity. Mr. Brewster’s butler received it in the flesh, when quite fresh, and neither
he nor the gamekeeper had any idea of its ornithological curiosity, but took it fora
singularly marked kingfisher, which in its flight they said it resembied. I mentioned
the circumstance to Mr. Yarrell, who expressed himself as quite at a loss to account
for the capture of such a bird in Lincolnshire. I am not aware of its ever having been
found North of Trinidad, much less on the eastern side of the Atlantic. Has such a
bird ever been brought to this country alive? From its insectivorous habits I scarcely

Ee

Birds. 3907

think this possible; and yet, how otherwise could it have found its way to the eastern
side of the British Isles? I simply mention the facts relating to the specimen in my
possession, and shall be glad if any of your readers can throw light on the subject. I
should have communicated its occurrence before, but that I had a dread of the preva-
lent anxiety to include every captured straggler in the catalogue of British birds. Its
claims appear as good as those of the Australian spine-tailed swallow, or the Asiatic
minor grackle; and yet, I trust you will agree with me, that clear as is the evidence
of its capture at large within the four seas, it would be ludicrous to assign to the Gal-
bula ruficauda a place in the list of our denizensand visitors.—H. B. Tristram ; Cas-
tle Eden, Durham, May 10, 1853.

Susceptibility to cold of Sylvia Trochilus.—The weather on Saturday last and ves-
terday was extraordinarily cold, with snow on both days, and last night we had s@vere
frost. Under a Portugal laurel, close to the house, and in which it had evidently
sought shelter from the cold wind, we found a willow-wren dead; and ina hollow
formed by a defective brick, on a level with the ground, under the same evergreen
shrub, lay two more, also dead. Had the odd bird escaped? Two or three yards off
was another little evergreen, similarly situated against the wall of the house ; I looked
under it, and there was the odd bird, also dead, evidently from cold. In woods and
thickets they would creep into the long grass, and so, for the most part, escape: but
we have here an adequate cause wherefore these pretty but susceptible visitors cannot
come to us at an earlier period, much less remain with us through the winter. The
absence of insects is not the only reason they must quit our shores before the winter’s
cold arrives.—W. H. Wayne; Much Wenlock, Salop, May 10, 1853.

Occurrence of the Blue-throated Warbler (Sylvia suecica), the Little Auk (Uria
Alle), and the Black Redstart (Sylvia Tithys) near Worthing, in Sussex.— I beg to
inform you that I have this morning received from a friend at Worthing, near which
place it was shot on the 2nd instant, a female specimen of that rare British bird, the
blue-throated warbler. From an examination since it has been skinned, it appears to
have fed exclusively on small beetles, and is exceedingly fat. No previous record of
the occurrence of this bird is given in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist.’ I have also re-
ceived from the same locality a beautiful specimen of the little auk, and a female ex-
ample of the black redstart; the former of which was shot on the 15th of November,
and the latter on the 23rd of that month. — J. W. Stephenson ; 2, Loudoun Place,
Brixton Road, May 4, 1853.

Note on the Black Redstart.— Another example of the black redstart occurred near
Bembridge at the end of March. The day following its discovery, we proceeded to
the place where it had been first seen, a large meadow sprinkled over with recently cut
timber. We had scarcely made one round of the field, when the peculiar “ ducking ”
action of a bird alighting on a trunk attracted our attention, and on nearer approach
the fiery tail, asthe bird flew off, showed we were not mistaken. The bird was rest-
less rather than shy, and kept taking short flights from one heap of faggots to another,
occasionally settling on the turf, as if in search of insects. On securing it, it proved a
middle-aged male, and I am pretty confident that I afterwards saw a second individual
on the same spot. Does not the occurrence of these birds, at the time of the spring
movement, tend towards explaining the course of their migration, especially since we
hear that they are not very uncommon as winter visitors in Devon? It seems to me
quite possible that these birds, when seen in the Isle of Wight, were at the time pro-
ceeding towards their summer quarters, moving in a direction from West to East along

3908 Birds.

the Channel. At all events, the mild climate of our South coast would ensure a
supply of insect food during the more rigorous winters of the eastern and inland parts
of Kurope.—A. G. More; Trin. Coll. Cambridge, May 3, 1853.

Occurrence of the Continental White Wagtail (Motacilla alba, Linn.) in Sussea.—
On the 21st of this month, I saw and examined carefully five specimens of ‘this bird,
four of which—one female and three males—were shot on the 19th of this month, be-
tween Shoreham and Worthing, and the fifth at Hove, near Brighton. ‘They are all
in the possession of Mr. Swaysland, Naturalist, Cranbourne St., West St., Brighton.
They may be at once distinguished from the pied wagtail (WU. Yarrellii) by the fol-
lowing leading features : — The head is covered by a distinct hood of pure black, per-
fectly defined, and not mixing either with the gray of the back or with the white of
theforehead ; and the white on the cheeks and sides of the neck completely separates
the black of the head from that of the throat and breast, there being no black before
the shoulders: the sides also are much lighter, and the tail somewhat longer. In the
female, there is no mixture of black on the back and nape, which there is in all the fe-
males of the pied wagtail which I have examined. This female had the eggs only of
the size of an ordinary pin’s head, whereas, in the pied wagtail, the eggs are at this
time generally as large as or larger than a pea, so that I suppose the former bird to be a
later breeder: I have, however, as yet seen but one female. The note is said to dif-
fer from that of the pied wagtail. I am not aware of the present species having pre-
viously occurred in Britain.— Wm. Borrer, jun. ; Cowfold, April 25, 1853.

Note on the Brambling Finch.—A few days ago T obtained one of these birds from
a small flock, which was attending the common chaffinches rvosting in some holly-
bushes.—J. Johnson ; Denby, near Huddersfield, March 8, 1853.

Occurrence of the Rook (Corvus frugilegus) in Shetland.—I almost forgot to inform
you that on the 12th of March (last month) I saw a flock of about thirty rooks feeding
on some cultivated land about a mile from my house. Although the rook is a very
common bird in England, it is very rare here, as the above are the first I have seen in
Shetland. — Robert Dunn; Helister, near Weesdale, Shetland Islands, North Britain,
April 11, 1853.

Occurrence of the Hoopoe (Upupa Epops) near Selborne. — Ow Tuesday last, the
3rd instant, as I was driving from this place towards Alton, on the very confines of the
parish, a fine hoopoe rose from behind a hedge, and flew over it into the road. It con-
tinued iis flight before me for about fifty yards, and then disappeared over the hedge.
There was a drizzling rain, and I was in haste, so that I could not stop to watch it ;
but I shall keep a good look out, in the hope that I may be able to ascertain whether
it has a mate, and whether they may possibly breed here. As I am not one of those
ruthless collectors who shoot every interesting bird they may find, I shall say nothing
about its habitat here, but endeavour to leave it in quiet. You will doubtless recollect
Gilbert White’s pretty notice of the occurrence of this bird on the very spot on which
I can at this moment look out (for I am writing within a few yards of the place where
he describes them as as “walking ina stately manner, feeding in the walks, many
times in the day”), and which account you will find in his eleventh Letter to Pennant.
The whole paragraph is very pleasing. In the very year in which I first came to this
place, a pair of hoopoes were seen on the lawn of my excellent friend and neighbour,
the Rev. Mr. Snow, of Newton Vallance. Mr. Yarrell, in his ‘History of British
Birds,’ mentions Dorsetshire and that line of coast as particularly the haunt of hoo-
poes ; and I remember, when I was a very young man, I think about the year 1810, a

a

Birds. 3909

fine specimen being sent to me at Poole, which had been shot at Wareham.— Thomas
Bell ; Selborne, May 6, 1853.
Occurrence of the Hoopoe (Upupa Epops) in May, in the Isle of Portland.—I beg

to record the occurrence of the hoopoe, not on account of its rarity of late years in this

:

county, as specimens are obtained every year. The subject of this notice was shot
yesterday, the 6th of May, in the Isle of Portland: all the other specimens that have
come to my knowledge have been obtained in the months of April or September.—
William Thompson ; Weymouth, May 7, 1853.

Note on the early appearance of the Quail, (Coturnix vulgaris). — A female quail,
having been noticed for several days near some stacks, was shot at Threxton, near
Watton, on the Ist of March, the snow being then quite deep.—L. H. Irby ; Saham,
Norfolk, April 16, 1853.

Occurrence of the Stone Curlew (Gdicnemus crepitans) near Thetford.—A pair of
stone curlews were also shot near Thetford, when the snow was quite deep.—Jd.

Note on the abundance of Woodcocks. — I have to observe that no less than twelve
of these pretty visitors have been obtained here since October last. For the last four
or five years not more than one or two at the most have been killed annually. This
locality is bordering on the high moors. — J. Johnson ; Denby, near Huddersfield,
March 8, 1853. .

Note on Woodcocks’ Nests in the Forest of Bere, and in Highden Wood, Hants.—
On the 28th of March, I was out walking in the Forest of Bere, with Sir Jervoise
Clarke-Jervoise, Bart., of Idsworth Park, Hants. We had the rabbit-beagles with
us, and they flushed as many as twelve or fifteen woodcocks during the time we were
out. The woodcocks frequently rose two at a time, which, together with their heavy
owl-like flight, showed that the breeding-season had commenced. One couple in par- ~
ticular got up with a good deal of fuss, and evidently had a nest or young close by ;
for they flew a very short distance in a semicircle, and one of them performed in the
air evolutions similar to those of a peewit when its nest is approached: it also gave a
peculiar cry, which I think worth mentioning, as it is the first time I ever heard (and
I never heard of) a woodcock uttering any sound. We continued our walk with our
“eyes open,” and at length Sir J. Clarke-Jervoise had the good fortune to flush one
close to him ; and on examining the place whence it rose he found the nest, contain-
ing four eggs. He most kindly allowed me to take one of the eggs for my collection.
On blowing it, it appeared to have been sat upon for four or five days; in which case,
the nest must have been formed and the eggs laid when the ground was covered with
snow, and even when we found it, the ice had not entirely disappeared. The bird de-
serted her nest, and so, of course, the remaining eggs were taken, and, through the
kindness of Sir J. Clarke-Jervoise, another has been added to my collection. This is
the first instance of the woodcock’s nest being discovered here, but the young birds
have occasionally, for years past, been found by the keepers; and there is no doubt
whatever that they breed here regularly. The keeper, on whose beat the nest was
found, told me that he could now, sometimes of an evening, get at least twenty good
shots at them as they are “flighting about: ” the other keepers also speak of the num-
bers they see when out on their rounds about dusk. It is gratifying to know that every
possible protection is given to these interesting birds, and that Sir J. Clarke-Jervoise
makes it a rule never to kill a cock after the last day of January, thereby giving the
survivors of the previous campaign every encouragement to try a domestic life in Eng-
land, and time to prepare for a matrimonial choice on Valentine’s day. Many of the

3910 Birds.

woods about here are admirably adapted for the woodcocks to breed in; and if Sir J.
Clarke-Jervoise’s rule, of letting them rest after January, were adopted generally in the
neighbouring preserves, “a day’s woodcock-shooting ” in Hampshire might be worth
coming some distance for ; at any rate, would not be so problematical a thing as it is
at present. The poor woodcock is looked upon too much as a stranger, who is only tu
be here a few days, and will never come back; a most erroneous idea, as has been fre-
quently proved on the highest authority : the consequence is, that the moment he is
flushed there is a hue and cry, and every gun within a hundred yards is let off, “on
the chance; because you know one should always fire at a cock!” Since writing the
above, I have been told that a woodcock’s nest has been found in Highden Wood,
about four miles from here. It was discovered by a woodman who was cutting some
copse-wood, and cuntained four eggs. As some accident invariably happens when a
bumpkin gets hold of anything rare, so this case, though it followed the rule, did not
prove it by being an exception, for the man rolled up the eggs in his smock frock and
sagaciously sat upon them; not, however, with the same happy result as would have
attenced the incubation of the real bird.— William Henry Hawker ; Horndean, Hants,
April 22, 1853.

Woodcocks breeding in this country.—On Monday, the 25th of April last, a young
woodcock, about half grown, but unable to fly, was brought to my father by his game-
keeper, who found it, with two others, running about in a copse at Bloxworth, Dorset.
Now, to have arrived at this size by the 25th of April, they must at least have been
hatched by the first week of that month, so that the eggs were probably laid by the 10th
of March, perhaps earlier. I was not aware that the woodcock ever nested so early as
this, though I have always known it to be an early breeder. Does not this, then, show
the bad policy, to say the least of it, of shooting woodcocks, as is commonly the case,
“ whenever they can be got at?” —though I must myself plead guilty to having been
instrumental in the death of eleven birds out of twelve found, on the 10th of March
last, in covers only a short distance from that in which the young ones were found.
All these twelve birds were in pairs, and perhaps some of them would have bred there,
or, indeed, might then have had nests with eggs. Had I at that time known of its
nesting so early, or that there was so fair a chance of their breeding with us, I should
by no means have molested them; but I only then knew that they did occasionally
breed there, for a neighbour’s keeper found some young ones, two or three years ago,
in an adjoining wood, though whether that was as early as April he did not tell me,
and this is the only other instance that has ever come to my knowledge. Late in the
season, towards the middle and end of March, up to which time they are considered
fair game, woodcocks lie very close and in pairs, and when put up, drop again almost
immediately, so that (the length of the day also telling against them) there is no part
of the season at which they are so sure of being eventually bagged. Added to this,
nearly all other shooting being over, woodcocks are increasingly persecuted whenever a
day’s shooting is wanted by those whose sporting ardour has not quite cooled down
for the season. Woodcocks also fall an easy prey at this time to the keepers, who, re-
leased from attendance on shooting-parties, are then busily employed in killing rab.
bits; and as on these occasions every understrapper who can hold one musters a gun,
to aid in the extermination of rabbits, the unfortunate woodcocks get but a poor
chance; and I have myself seen, on such an occasion as this, a woodcock that had
been flushed several times, and after escaping repeated volleys fired by these under-
strappers, at last fall by an accidental shot from the gun of the worst marksman among

——o— eee! ESL! lll ll ae ae

Birds. 3911

them. All this, then, seems to me amply to account for the few known instances of
their breeding, at least about us. Though I have long thought that woodcocks should

_ not be shot after the 1st of March, I have hitherto, for want of a conclusive reason to

the contrary, continued the usual practice of killing them whenever to be found, in
‘some years even up to the Ist of April; however, for the future, they will be intact,
by me, after the 14th of February: and T now firmly believe that most of those which
I killed on the 10th of last March, would have bred there had they been spared, for
the ground is in every way what one would suppose well suited for the breeding and
rearing of this bird. I trust therefore that all who may read this will, in time to come,
give them a chance of breeding in this country, by allowing them to go free after the
14th or so of February; and I doubt not, if this plan were pretty generally adopted,
that it would materially increase the number of birds in the ensuing season, and make
their nesting in England a comparatively common occurrence. Since writing the
above, I have learned that a pair of woodcocks were also seen by my brother on the
6th of April last, while hunting his beagles, in another copse at some distance from
that where the young ones were found. — Octavius Pickard-Cambridge ; Hatch Beau-
champ, Taunton, Somerset, May 12, 1853.

Occurrence of the Great Snipe (Scolopax major) near Durham.—Two or three spe-
cimens of the great snipe were obtained in this neighbourhood during the winter, and
they are considered to be pretty regular winter visitants. The Hon. Augustus Bar-
rington informs me, that some thirty or forty years ago, as he and his brother, the pre-
sent Lord Barrington, were shooting on Fishburn Car, about half way between Castle
Eden and Darlington, they killed, in the month of August, four solitary snipes, two of
which were young birds, scarcely fully fledged. This is the only instance I ever heard
of this bird breeding in Britain. So careful an observer as Mr. Barrington could
hardly have mistaken this snipe, and the singularity of the occurrence imprinted the
fact on his memory, although he was not aware at the time that the nest of the solitary
snipe had never been found in this country. Last summer I met with this bird in vast
numbers along the coast of Nordland and Finmark. In one marsh near Bosoé, we
obtained I think seven brace in half an hour, in the month of August, the young birds
being fully fledged —H. B. Tristram ; Castle Eden, Durham, May 10, 1853.

Occurrence of the White-winged Black Tern (Sterna leucoptera) near Yarmouth.—
This bird was killed on the 17th instant, by Mr. Robert Rising’s keeper, at Horsey, near
Yarmouth. Three or four of the black tern were killed at the same time with it. —
George Trederick ; 11, Charles Street, Westbourne Terrace, May 21, 1853.

[I have seen this bird in the flesh, and can state therefore that it isan example of
the white-winged black tern.— W. Yarrell ; May 21, 1853.]

Occurrence of the Little Gull (Larus minutus) in Shetland. — On Thursday, the
7th of April, I had the pleasure of shooting a specimen of the little gull (Larus minu-
tus). When I first saw it, it was flying by itself at a distance, and from its small size
I fancied it was one of the tern tribe, but as it came nearer I readily perceived, by the
roundness of its wings and the shortness of its tail, that it was not a tern. As it flew,
it kept dipping down to the sea every here and there, as if picking something off the
surface of the water. It flew past us once out of shot, but did not go far before it
turned again, we crossed it with the boat, and I was fortunate enough to shoot it as it
flew past. It is an adult female, in fine plumage, excepting that the head was moult-
ing from white to black. This, and an adult specimen of the Iceland gull (Larus
leucopterus), which I shot on the 22nd of November, 1852, together with three or four

3912 Reptiles.

adult glaucous gulls (Larus glaucus), are amongst the rarest of the birds which we
have shot in Shetland this winter.— Robert Dunn ; Helister, near Weesdale, Shetland
Islands, N. B., April 11, 1853.

Occurrence of the Masked Gull (Larus capistratus) in Sussex.—On the 25th of Fe-
bruary last, I received a living specimen of a gull, which I suspected to be the masked
gull (Larus capistratus) of Yarrell’s ‘ History of British Birds’ (iii. 430), in a transi-
tion state between the summer and winter plumage, showing a few dark feathers be-
hind the eye and on the front of the head, but the occiput and back of the neck being
pure white. Having pinioned it, I put it ona pond with other gulls, &c., and it soon
began to assume more dark feathers on the head and face, and has now, April 25th,
fully assumed the mask, the back of the neck and the occiput being still pure white,
so much so, that when the bird is running or swimming away from the spectator, no
dark colour is visible. This is a mature bird, the tail being pure white. It was caught
off Brighton, the day before it was sent to me: I am not aware of any record of its
having before been obtained in the South of England.”— Wm. Borrer, jun. ; ph tive
April 25, 1853.

Note on the Reproduction of Frogs.— Mr. Edward Lowe’s paper on the reproduc-
tion of frogs without the presence of water, which appeared in the ‘ Annals’ for April,
and is quoted in the ‘ Zoologist’ of this month (Zool. 3871), is one most deserving
the attention of all naturalists. In support of Mr. Lowe’s filth observation, I cannot
help sending you these few remarks. Year after year I have observed the same cir-
cumstance, and to account for it has always been to me the greatest puzzle. It was
in a wine-cellar that the frogs were seen ; the exact position of which I must first at-
tempt to describe. This wine-cellar had no other entrance than a close-fitting door,
under which a moderate-sized frog could not possibly pass; nor do I think that even
young ones, such as those seen, could have done so, but of this I cannot speak for cer-
tain. This door opened into a dairy, having a window communicating by a small
area with the garden. Minute frogs were found continually, two or three years fol-
lowing, among the damp sawdust in the cellar.. They were very small, not larger than
if they had just assumed the perfect state. And now, as to how they got there. Is
it possible that they were brought into the cellar with the sawdust, and, from want of
food, did not increase in size during that lengthened period? I should say not. We
have now two propositions left:—either they must by some means have found their way
into the cellar, or they must have been bred in it. The nearest water to the cellar was
a small pond in a field separated from the garden by a deep walled ha-ha ; but I have
never seen any tadpoles in that pond, nor do T think it likely that there would be any
there, as the water is very pure, coming from a spring not far off, and running in and
out of the pond in a continued stream. But granting, for the sake of argument, that
the frogs might have been bred there, to have reached the cellar they must have crossed
the field, mounted the perpendicular wall of the ha-ha, traversed the garden, passed
through the area and window into the dairy, and thence under the door into the wine-
cellar, and this, too, in a party of some dozens! That frogs and toads will do won-
derful things in the shape of locomotion, is a fact well known, and of this, perhaps,
the most extraordinary instance on record is that given in the number for November,

Fishes.— Mollusks. 3913

1843, (Zool. 321); and while on the subject, I may as well mention one instance which
has fallen within my knowledge. In a hot-bed in the above-mentioned garden a toad
was wont to take possession of a particular corner. This proceeding, however, was not
approved of, and the toad was unceremoniously carried to the other end of the garden
and thrown over the ha-ha into the field. To our astonishment, however, the snug lit-
tle corner of the hot-bed was not long without its tenant; in a day or two the toad was
found again on its form. How did he get up the wall of the ha-ha, and what instinct
led him back to his favourite haunt? We have yet much to learn about the Amphi-
bia, for, disgusting as they used to seem to wost people, they are now found to be a
family perhaps more curious in their economy, and more interesting in their habits,
than any other; and I trust that I shall see before long something more on this and
other subjects connected with them in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist.’ — Alfred Merle
Norman ; Clevedon, May 13, 1853.

[Far be it from me to discourage any inquiry like this into the supposed departure
from a law of Nature in the reproduction of metamorphotic reptiles: but we must not
overlook difficulties that stand in the way of onr receiving an hypothesis like this;
such, for instance, as the following : — Suppose it impossible, or even improbable, for
the small frogs and toads to gain access to the places where they have been found, is
it nut equally impossible and ,improbable for the parents to get there? Are not the
parents larger than the children? To receive the hypothesis in full, we must also
receive another and older hypothesis, — that of spontaneous generation! — Edward
Newman. |

Occurrence of the Lump Sucker (Cyclopterus Lumpus) at Lynn.—A fine male ex-
ample of this fish was caught in our harbour yesterday, measuring about a foot in
length. It was of a bright red tint, which has however changed to-day into a dull
brown. Our fishermen are catching small herrings and smelts, which may serve to
account for its presence in the estuary, but the force of the flowing tide must account
for its being so high in the river. Is it probable that the pair had entered the river
for the purpose of spawning ?— Edward L. King ; Lynn, March 31, 1853.

Tast of Land and Fresh-water Shells found in the Neighbourhood of
Sudbury. By Wiii1aM Dovusiepay Kine, Esq.

ENCOURAGED by observing that the inland Conchology of our own
country has of late obtained occasional notice in the ‘ Zoologist, I
venture to send a list of such species of land and fresh-water shells as
have occurred in this neighbourhood.

By far the greater part have been found within a mile of the town
of Sudbury ; the remainder at a distance not exceeding two or three
miles. The Stour, frequently overflowing the low meadows close to
the town, leaves a considerable drift of weeds &c. upon its banks,

XI. eo

3914 Mollusks.

which, on examination, is found to be rich in shells, not only of the
aquatic species, but of the smaller terrestrial kinds also. Many, per-
haps most, are, as might be expected, bleached or imperfect; but still
a large number of specimens may be thus obtained, as perfect and
transparent as if found alive in their natural abode, although the ani-
mal inhabitant has, in general, wholly disappeared: thus sparing the
collector the unpleasant business of killing and extracting it. I have
been much puzzled to account for this circumstance, as it can hardly
arise from gradual decay. Is there any race of insects which prey
upon these mollusks, either in a dead or a living state, thus leaving
the shells in a beautifully perfect condition? If so, my cabinet is
much indebted to them for their labours.

I have entirely omitted the slugs from this list, not having collected
or studied them ; as well as several of the more obscure species, espe-
cially of Zonites and Pisidium, from my not feeling sure of being able
to distinguish them in their different stages of growth, though I have
but little doubt of their occurrence here.

Neritina fluviatilis. Numerous in the river, and extremely varia-
ble ; when alive, always encrusted with mud, the removal of which
appears to destroy the beautiful coloured markings, so ornamental
when the shell is found dead and empty.

Paludina vivipara. Very fine and tolerably abundant in the Stour.
I have kept these curious creatures in a pail of water, and had a large
accession of young ones, their delicate shells adorned with spines,
which disappear as they become mature.

Bithinia tentaculata. Common.

» ventricosa. Not rare.

Valvata piscinalis and cristata. Common.

Vitrina pellucida. Now and then found in moss.

Helix aspersa. One picked.up in my garden had the whorls much
produced.

» hortensis and nemoralis. Abundant.

» hybrida. Two or three specimens I believe to be of this
intermediate species.

», arbustorum. In some moist mossy hedges near the town.

» lapicida. Not uncommon.

» pulchella. Excessively abundant in the drift, and, I think,
inhabiting the meadow close to the river.

», Cantiana. Common on the chalky banks, white, pale pink,
and of a rufous colour.

Mollusks. 3915

Helix fulva. Rare, in drift.
» aculeata. One specimen.
», hispida. Occasional.
» Tufescens. Abundant, as elsewhere,
» virgata. Abundant, of two very distinct varieties.
»» caperata. Frequent, on dry banks, chalk-pits, &c.
» Ericetorum. Less numerous, but not rare; mostly without
bands, and of a plain horn-colour.
Zonites radiatus. Common.

a pygmeus. Rather rare.

da nitens. Common.

ne alliarius. Frequent, in moss.

gy radiatulus ?

- crystallinus and Jucidus. Frequent in the drift.

Succinea putris. Common.

Bulimus obscurus. Frequent in hedges.

Zua lubrica. Very abundant.

Achatina acicula. This elegant shell sometimes occurs in great
uumbers amongst the remains of a flood, but I never find any vestige
of the animal that inhabits it.

Pupa umbilicata. On an old church-yard wall, in considerable
numbers.

» Marginata. Frequent in the drift.

Vertigo pygmza. Not rare.

», palustris. A few specimens with the two former shells.

Balea perversa. In the bark of old willows, not common.

Clausilia bidens. One or two, in moss.

s nigricans. Very common.

Carychium minimum. Extremely common.

Acme fusca. One specimen, in the drift.

Limneus auricularis and pereger. Common.

as stagnalis. Frequent and large on Cornard Mere, in pools.
- palustris. Common.
” truncatulus. Frequent.

Ancylus fluviatilis. Occasional.
Velletia lacustris. Frequent in the river.
Physa fontinalis. Pretty common.
Aplexus Hypnorum. A few specimens in a small stream.
Planorbis corneus Common.
m albus. Not rare.
F carinatus. Abundant.

3916 Arachnida.

Planorbis marginatus. Common.

3 vortex. Very common.
o nitidus. Occasional.
99 contortus. Frequent.

Cyclostoma elegans. On a bank near the village of Belchamp ;
large, and mostly of a buff or clay-colour, without the beautiful. pur-
ple spots which ornament the smaller variety usually found near the
coast.

Cyclas cornea.» Common.

» calyculata. Rather rare.

Pisidium pusillum and pulchellum. In drift.

n Henslowianum. Not very uncommon in the river.
is amnicum. Frequent.

Anodon cygneus. Common.

W. D. Kine.
Sudbury, April 25, 1853.

Occurrence of Eolis Landsburgit at Weymouth.—In my occupation here of collect-
ing living animals and plants for the purpose of stocking the marine aquaria in the
Zoological Gardens, I have been so fortunate as to meet with some objects marked in
our lists as rare; I will however refer only to one species, Eolis Landsburgii, perhaps
the loveliest gem of all our nudibranch Mollusca. On the 23rd ultimo I took two
specimens of this charming amethystine Eolis within a few minutes; both on the un-
der surface of stones near low-water mark (spring tide), but not in association with
each other. Eolis coronata occurred at the same time, and since, in unusually fine
condition: it is spawning about this time. These are the only littoral Eolidide that
I have met with here, except a single example of E. papillosa, When E. Landsbur-
gii was published by Messrs. Alder and Hancock, it was on the authority of a single
specimen. In the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ for January, 1852, the
capture of a second is recorded by the Rev. Thomas Hincks, and the occurrence of a
third is alluded to. I am not aware that this rare and beautiful creature has been seen
since, until this twofold capture, which I now beg to record in the ‘ Zoologist.— P. H.
Gosse ; Weymouth, May 16, 1853.

Note on the Acarus of the Hornbill.—In the report of the Proceedings of the Zoo-
logical Society for March 8 (Zool. 3886), it is stated that Dr. Crisp, after exhibiting
a specimen of a bornbill, observed that the Acari of birds were never within the reach
of the bill. As this report is entirely erroneous, you will probably allow me to give my
own version of the matter. On looking over a few specimens of the hornbill (Buceros
Rhinoceros) with my friend Mr. Bartlett, he directed my attention to the enormous

Arachnida. 3917

number of eggs upon the feathers at the back of the head, neck, and throat. Ona
more careful inspection, I found that the ova were only deposited in this situation,
where the bird, from the great length of the bill, could not reach them. The eggs
amount to many thousands: they are placed chiefly at the base of the feathers ;
their numbers varying from twenty to fifty on each. Whether the hornbills generally
are affected with these parasites I am unable to say ; but in three living toucans (birds
which bear some resemblance to the hornbills) now at the Regent’s Park Gardens, I
find no trace of these animals.. As regards other birds, my experience does not enable
me to speak. The bill of the hornbill and of the toucan is so beautifully constructed,
that the smallest insect would be crushed by its well adjusted point ; but the claw, I ap-
prehend, would be of little service in this kind of warfare. Whether the mites instinc-
tively deposit their eggs in the situation named, is a question difficult to solve ; but
looking to the habits of some grades still lower in the scale of creation (the coral in-
sect, for example), I think it more than probable that the animal in question does pos-
sess this amount of instinct. On placing several of the feathers upon which the eggs
are deposited under a power of 40 diameters, I find that the mite has escaped from the
greater number, but in several the young Acarus may be distinctly seen through the
egg-shell, the exterior of which is composed of cells of a pentangular form. I found
several of the mites dead on various parts of the body, and although dry and shrivel-
led, their forms are tolerably distinct under the microscope. They present most of the
characters of the Acaride. The mandibles are large, their inner edges trenchant, and
their anterior extremities expanded and lobated ; the legs are eight in number, with
the tarsi of all terminating in a disk-like appendage. . The body and legs are furnished
with spines, and the posterior part of the body is pointed. In some specimens the man-
dibles are much smaller, but the disk-like tarsal appendage in all is very distinct. I
have immersed some of these Acari in spirits of turpentine, and hope hereafter to be
able to describe them more accurately. I believe they have never before been noticed,
for on referring to the interesting papers, and drawings of the Acariens, by MM. Du-
gés, Dufour, and Gervais, in the ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles’ for 1833, 1839,
and 1841, I find none that correspond with those depicted in the inclosed drawings,
which I exhibited at the Zoological Society —Hdwards Crisp, M.D. ; 21, Parliament
Street, May 13, 1853.

Note on the Abstinence of Spiders.—In the February number (Zool. 3766) there is an
account, by Mr. Pickard-Cambridge, of a spider which lived for upwards of eighteen
months in a stuffed bird’s case, without obtaining any visible supply of food, and
even increased considerably in size during that period: and in the following number
of this journal (Zool. 3809), Mr. Bree remarks on this statement, that the animal must
have obtained food by some means, it being impossible that it could have increased in
size without sustenance. Like Mr. Bree, I was much pleased with Mr. Pickard-
Cambridge’s account, and, bad I not been prevented by other avocations, should have
offered a few remarks on this subject before, it evidently being one of much interest
both to the naturalist and the physiologist. With respect to the length of time that
Mr. Pickard-Cambridge’s spider lived apparently without food, it has been long known
to arachnologists that many species of Araneidea will bear a very protracted abstinence
without any perceptible diminution of vital energy. Martin Lister, in his ‘“‘ Tractatus
de Araneis,” contained in the ‘ Historia Animalium Anglie, which he published in
1678, has the following passage: — “ Aranei nihil recondunt, quod diu sine cibo
vivere possunt; per hyemem vero ex toto abstinent, et ne victum quidem querunt;”

3918 Arachnida.

* * * Omni etiam anni tempore jejunium diutinum ferre possint ; calidis quoque
regionibus etiam per estatem, non solim ciim hyems eas necessariO cogat. Araneas,
inquit F. Redi, tam masculas quam fceminas, vasis vitreis excepi; longitudinem vite
sine alimento interalia observavi; nonnullis a 15 Julii, quo die capti erant, in finem
usque Januarii producentibus,”—(p. 12). The most interesting and remarkable case,
however, in illustration of the fact in question that I have been able to meet with, is
narrated by Mr. Blackwall in his ‘ Researches on Zoology, * published in 1834. He
says, “A female Theridion quadripunctatum, captured in the month of August, 1829,
was placed in a phial of transparent glass, and fed with flies till the 15th of October,
in the same year, during which interval she accomplished her final moult, and attained
maturity. She was then removed to a smaller phial, which was closely corked and
locked up in a book-case, her supply of food being at the same time discontinued. In
this phial she remained till the 30th of April, 1831, on which day she died, without
receiving the slightest nourishment of any description ; yet till the autumn of 1830, no
apparent change had taken place, either as regards her external appearance or physi-
cal energy. Throughout the entire period of her captivity, she never failed to produce
a new snare when the old one was removed, which was frequently the case; and it is
particularly deserving of attention that the alvine evacuations were continued, in
minute quantities and at very distant intervals, to the termination of her existence,”
—(p- 302). This experiment shows that spiders will live as long as the one noticed
by Mr. Pickard-Cambridge, without food, but the individual in Mr. Blackwall’s case
had attained maturity, after which period, as with perfect insects, they undergo no fur-
ther increase in size,t (the abdomen of the impregnated female being excepted); but
it has been found that young individuals, if kept in confinement and only sparingly
supplied with nourishment, increase very little in size, moulting only once or twice in-
stead of five or six times in a given period, and, if altogether deprived of food, soon
die. Mr. Pickard-Cambridge’s spider must have obtained nutriment from some source,
and this leads me to the most interesting part of the subject, namely, what was its
nature? I have often examined webs made by the house-spider in wine-cellars and
other close situations, some of which are perfectly dark, and have little communica-
tion with the air, and have seldom if ever found any insects entangled in them, or the
remains of insects near them; and I have therefore been puzzled to know on what
food the spiders subsist. Spiders and their webs may also often be seen in the corners
of empty and closed drawers, in which no insects will be found. What then is the
nature of their food? It appears that some species require little more than water for
their sustenance (all of them live on liquid food, their mouths being only adapted to
imbibe the juices of their victims), and if supplied with it will continue plump and
well for a long time without any other food. Mr. Blackwall found that a pair of the

* This work, which contains many interesting observations on Ornithology, Arach-
nology, and other branches of Natural History, is, I think, but little known.

+ 1 may here remark, that spiders cannot be strictly said to grow at any period of
their existence, their increase in size taking place through the means of periodical
muultings, or casting of the skin: and the number of times that this takes place is not
the same in all species. It has been ascertained that the common house-spider (Tege-
naria civilis) changes its skin nine times before it arrives at maturity ; Epeira callo-
phylla five times, and so on.

:

Insects.— Birds. 3919

pretty little spiders named Drassus nitens, which were contined in a phial, having
become feeble and greatly emaciated, drank with avidity a few drops of water which
were introduced to them, and speedily resumed their strength and former plump ap-
pearance.* Though the imbibition of water is thus capable of prolonging the lives of
some species, still there is no doubt that those spiders which select close and dark situ-
ations for the construction of their webs, find sume living prey upon which they can
feed, though they may not be able to meet with winged insects ; and further observa-
tions are required to clear up this interesting subject. My own idea is, but it is only
supposition, that they prey principally upon small species of Acari; for numbers of
these minute and little-known Arachnidans may be found wherever decaying organic
matter exists, particularly about dead wood, skins, &c., where they afford food to vari-
ous insects and other animals besides spiders: for instance, to the little book-scorpion
(Chelifer museorum, Leach).—R. H. Meade ; Bradford, Yorkshire, April 19, 1853.

Are Telephorus rusticus and T. lividus the Male and Female of one Species ?—This
question I am induced to put in consequence of my having, for some seasons past, so
very frequently taken in copula these two insects, hitherto looked upon as distinct spe-
cies. The time for their appearance is again come round, and perhaps, by a little care-
ful observation, this may be noticed in other districts. May not such affinities exist
among other members of this family? And by carefully noting and recording from
time to time such facts as present themselves, might not some one be tempted to un-
dertake a general revision of this group?—John Scott ; London Works, Renfrew, May
7, 1853.

Note on the Impalement of Geotrupes stercorarius.—W hen going home a few even-
ings ago, I met with a case of accidental. insect-impalement. It was almost dark, and
numbers of Geotrupes stercorarius were booming about. One louder and more con-
tinuous buzz than the rest arrested my attention; this I found to proceed from a Geo-
trupes impaled on the point of a sharp upright thorn, which"had penetrated between
the dorsal segments of the abdomen, near its apex. The beetle was wheeling round
and round, with expanded wings, and making violent efforts to escape, but only fixing
itself the more firmly at every turn. Most probably it had been struck down during
flight by a twig, and falling with open wings into the hedge, had exposed a vulnera-
ble part to the pointed thorn. I examined the beetle closely, but found it quite unin-
jured except where the thorn had entered. — Thomas J. Bold ; Angas’s Court, Bigg
Market, Newcastle-on-Tyne, May 3, 1853.

»

Occurrence of the Gray-headed Wagtail (Motacilla neglecta) near Penzance. — A
specimen of this bird has again come under my notice during the past week. It was
observed in Marazion Marsh, and proved to be an adult male, in good plumage. —
Edward Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, May 23, 1853.

* Lib. cit. p. 332.

3920 Imp. L. C. Academy.— Entomological Society.

Imperial L. C. Academy.—Election of Fellows.

The ‘ Bonplandia,’ the official organ of the Imperial L. C. Academy Nature Curi-
osorum, announces that the six naturalists mentioned below have received the honour
of Fellowship in the Academy, with the accompanying Academical names: —

1. H. C. Beck, Pastor in Schweinfurt, . BE = Metzger.

2. Anatol Nicolajewitsch, Prince of Demidoff, nen it t will beer re-

collected, sent the principal part of the Russian articles to

the'Great' Exhibition Of 1891). URe lies ioe ee ee
3. Edward Newman, of London, ........ = Latreille.
4, F.L. Fulleborn, President of the annie af: rena in 1 Marien-

WETUET, .....0008 == Roschlaub.
5. F. Goldenberg, Piokissor of N ate iitory iu Midibvermetied

in Saarbricken, i = Steinhauer.
6. Philip Wirtgen, Ph.D. Dinegeel of the Collegiaid in pineuecdiaet = Ehrhart.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

May 2, 1853.—J. O. Westwoop, Esq., V.P., in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors: — The ‘ Zoologist’ for May; by the Editor. The ‘ Literary Gazette’ for April;
by the Editor. The ‘Atheneum’ for April; by the Editor. The ‘ Journal of the So-
ciety of Arts’ for April; by the Society. ‘Proceedings of the Berwickshire Natural-
ists’ Club’ for 1851; bythe Club. ‘Reévisiondela Famille des Cicindélides de l’Ordre
des Coléoptéres, par Th. Lacordaire, Liége, 1842: and Monographie de la Famille
des Phytophages, par Th. Lacordaire, tome ii., Liége, 1848; both presented by the
Author. ‘ Monographie des Guépes Solitaires,’ par H. F. de Saussure, Cahier 4, Pa-
ris, 1852; by the Author. ‘Mémoires de Académie Royale des Sciences, des Let-
tres, et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique,’ tome xxvi., 1851: ‘ Mémoires Couronnées et
Mémoires des Savants étrangers, tome xxiv. 1852: Ditto, in 8vo., tome v. Ire partie,
1852: ‘ Bulletins de l’Académie, tomes xvii. 2me partie, xviii. and xix., 1851—52;
all presented by the Académie. Two book-cases, by Mr. Waring ; and a set of book-
shelves, by Mr. Edwin Shepherd.

The Chairman stated that in consequence of several inquiries from the apple-grow-
ing districts of the country, the Council wished him to announce that the “ insect-
scale” of the apple, the insect whose natural history the Society had this year proposed.
as the subject of a’Prize Essay, was the same as that known in many places as the
“ scale-insect” or “ scale-blight” of the apple.

The Chairman also called the attention of the Meeting to copies of a Catalogue
laid upon the table by Mr. Stainton, for distribution, intituled, ‘ Bibliotheca Stephens-
iana, being a Catalogue of the Entomological Library of the late James Francis Ste-
phens, Esq., F.L.S., which has been preserved entire, and is now removed to Mounts-
field, Lewisham, where it may be consulted by any entomologist, every Wednesday
evening, as heretofore.’

Entomological Society. 3921

Mr. H. Doubleday presented a beautiful drawing of the under side of a very singu-
lar variety of Polyommatus Alexis, taken near Cambridge by the Rev. Rudston Reid.
The usual ocelli were absent, but on both wings was a row of strong black marks within
the posterior margin, not extending outwardly beyond the red spots on the lower wings,
and similarly situated on the upper wings, but there the red spots were wanting. Part
only of the posterior ocelli are represented by black dots.

Mr. Bond exhibited a specimen of a Psyche new to this country, pronounced by M.
Bruand, who was engaged on a monograph of the Psychide, to be his P. margineni-
grella. Mr. Bond reared it from a case which he found attached to a tree, either in
Lancashire or Yorkshire.

Mr. Edwin Shepherd exhibited a larva of Notodonta Camelina, which had been
attacked and killed by muscardine; a very pale and little-marked variety of Argynnis
Euphrosyne ; a unicolorous variety of Fidonia atomaria; and a specimen of the rare
Aleucis pictaria, taken on the 24th of April last, on the palings at Dartford Heath.

Mr. 8. J. Wilkinson exhibited larva-cases of Incurvaria Zinckenii and I. mascu-
lella. ‘They were both of considerable size, and of a broad-oval form, each constructed
of two pieces of leaf neatly cut out and fastened together at the edges; the former
species from the leaf of oak, the latter from the leaf of birch. The perfect insects,
which he also exhibited, had emerged, leaving the pupa-skin projecting from the case,
showing that the larve had changed to pupe within the case. He also exhibited three
specimens of the new Lithocolletis Nicellii, reared from nut-leaves, and a cocoon of a
Bucculatrix ? found attached to a fence.

Mr. Stevens exhibited specimens of the fine Goliath beetles, Amarodes Passerinii
and Eudicella Smithii, lately received from Port Natal.

_ The Chairman read a note from Mr. Weaver, stating that the insect exhibited at
the November meeting, reported as Bolitophagus crenicollis, should be B. crenatus ;
and that anothor Coleopterous insect should be added to his list of discoveries in Scot-
land, namely, Ampedus tristis, belonging to the family Elateride.

The following letter was read : —

*“ Liverpool, April 30, 1853.
“ Sir,

“ Perhaps the following hints may not prove uninteresting to some of
the members of your Society. At your meeting on the 4th of April, a communication
was received from Mr. Wilson, recommending chloroform as a means of disabling
large Lepidoptera before pinning or killing them. Some years since, when in Swit-
zerland, I took great delight in making a collection of Lepidoptera, and invariably
found that the easiest way of killing the insects was by dropping sulphuric ether on
their heads. This suffocates them immediately, excepting the very large kinds, and
then a second dose is generally needed. In this manner I have killed Papilio Poda-
lirius, Parnassius Apollo and Mnemosyne, Apatura Iris, Acherontia Atropos, Sphinx
Convolvuli, S. Ligustri, S. Pinastri, Choeerocampa Nerii, &c.

“ When the insect is captured and killed, Mr. Humphreys, in his beautiful book,
mentions that ‘ the wings must be kept expanded by thin braces of card.’ An easier
plan is to have a flat board, with grooves of various sizes to receive the bodies, and
then to keep the wings expanded by small pieces of glass until dry. The advantage

a 2D

3922 Entomological Society.

is, that the glass presses equally all over the wings, and also that you can always see
whether they are in their proper position or not.
“ T remain, Sir,
“Your obedient Servant,
CIT
“To the President of the Entomological Society.”

Dr. Dutton said that he preferred hydrocyanic acid to all other agents for destroy-
ing life in insects. He had found one drop, of Scheele’s strength, sufficient to kill
fifty insects; and, so small a quantity being necessary, no danger to the operator need
be apprehended.

Mr. Spence communicated the following note on Termes lucifugus : —

-“ As the small yellow ant (Myrmica domestica), now become such a pest in Lon-
don, might probably have been easily extirpated, had it been brought under the eye of
entomologists on its first introduction from abroad, it may not be amiss to direct the
attention of the members of the Society to the possible importation of a still. worse
pest, the Termes lucifugus of Rossi. The ravages of this minute white ant (first dis-
covered in France at Bordeaux by Latreille), at Saintes, Rochefort, and Tournay-Cha-
rente, in the western departments of France, were described by M. Audouin twenty
years ago, and the accuracy of his observations has been since confirmed by those of
MM. Milne-Edwards and Blanchard in the same localities; but it appears from a
paper read before the Académie des Sciences at Paris, on March 28, by M. de Quatre-
fage, that this insect has now found its way also into the Port of Rochelle (interesting
to entomologists as the birth-place of Reaumur), where it is rapidly extending itself ;
and how easily it might thence be brought to our ports in the West of England, where
it would find a temperature probably as well suited to its propagation as at Rochelle,
need not be pointed out. This species, as Latreille observed, and as M. de Quatre-
fage informs us, does not confine itself to dead wood, but attacks living plants and
trees, having excavated the stems and tubers of Dahlias, and the trunks and larger
branches of poplars. He found chlorine the most effective agent for its destruction.”

The Chairman said Dr. Burmeister had shown him the same Termes from the

South of Prussia.
Mr. Stainton communicated the following extract of a letter from Count Nicelli:—

“ Lithocolletis Scabiosella, Douglas, is a very good species. However, it is not the
only species on low-growing plants, for Herr von Heyden, of Frankfort-on-the-Maine,
sent me a very beautiful species, something like lautella, bred from a species of Vicia ;
itis L. Bremiella. Besides this, I may mention L. Sagittariella, a species allied to
Faginella and Mannii, bred from broom; and another, named by him L. Staintoni-
ella, which is allied to L. Betule, but much smaller, and feeds on broom.”

Mr. Westwood mentioned that by a careful examination of the fragments of. the
Chinese wax-making Coccus, given to him by Mr. Hanbury, he had been able to find
wings of the male, and dried bodies and some other parts of both male and female, so
that he now thought he could make a sufficient description of the species. He had
also found three species of Encyrtus parasitic on this Coteus.

Society of British Entomologists. 3923

Mr. Westwood also informed the meeting that specimens of a blind shrimp, found
in a well near Maidenhead, had been sent to him, and that he had identified them as
the Niphargus Stygius of Sciddte, found in the caves of Carniola, and of which a fi-
_ gure, description and account were published in the Society's‘ Transactions,’ vol. i. n. s.
The well in question was about 18 feet deep, and these Crustaceans abounded in it to
such an extent, as to render the water unfit for use. The well had been cleaned out,
but the shrimps were still there, though to a less extent.—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the Society of British Entomologists.

April 19, 1853.—Mr. Harpina, President, in the chair.

The President announced that a box of Lepidoptera, containing between 200 and
300 specimens, had been presented to the Society for the cabinet.

The President exhibited a box of caterpillars, preserved by removing the intestines,
and filling the vacant space with coloured worsted. The markings and colours were
nearly as bright as when the caterpillars were living, especially in those with smooth
skins. He also exhibited a pair of Anerastia Farrella, taken on the coast of Kent.

The President made some observations on the tenacity of life in Mesium sulcatum.
Having placed a specimen in a pill-box in April, 1852, the box was not opened until
the 5th of April in the present year, when the insect was found alive, and apparently
in as good health as when put away twelve months before. That spiders will live for a
long time without food is well known ; but tenacity of life in beetles under similar cir-
cumstances is of more rare occurrence.

A copy of Stainton’s ‘ Entomologists’ Companion’ was presented by the Author.

May 3, 1853.—Mr. Harpine, President, in the chair.

The President exhibited two specimens of Aleucis pictaria, taken on the 13th and
26th of April, both in fine condition.

The President said that in the course of his perambulations during the month of
April, he had been much surprised at the number of specimens of Vanessa Polychloros
that were basking in the sunshine; he could not remember any time that he had seen
such a number. He observed that the members had without doubt seen articles in
the ‘ Zoologist, in reference to the tenacity of life in spiders. It was a well-known
fact, that spiders were capable of existing a long time without food. As an illustra-
tion, he recollected, when he was a very young naturalist, taking a nest of spider's
eggs in mistake for those of a Lepidopterous insect, and putting them in a pill-box.
On opening the box some days afterwards, he found it full of young spiders and web:
it was then put by for a time, and upon opening it by chance he found the spiders still
alive. His curiosity being excited, he put the box away carefully for nine months, and
on opening it at the end of that time, he found the spiders still alive, but they died a
few days after. These little creatures had never tasted food. Many species of spider,
in the perfect state, remain torpid during the winter months, and do not move until
the warm days of spring call them into life, which will tend to account for their ab-
stinence; but this does not apply to the case above mentioned. After all, however,

3924 Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club.

what is this to the case of a toad living for ages encased in rocks and trees? This
would prove a much greater tenacity of life, but unfortunately no such examples have
ever come under the notice of a naturalist.
Mr. Dalman, on the part of Mr. Miller, exhibited a box of insects, containing,
among others, a pair of Cassida splendidula, taken at West Wickham on May 1.
Mr. Jones exhibited specimens of Lithocolletis alnipaliella, from the leaves of the
alder.—J. T. N. |

Proceedings of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club.

Anniversary Meeting, March 30, 1853.—The Ven. Archdeacon Tuorp, Warden of
the University of Durham, President, in the chair,

There was a very full attendance of Members, and the proceedings were commen-
ced by the delivery of the presidential Address of the Ven. Chairman, in which he re-
viewed the proceedings of the past year. The first field meeting of 1852, he said, had
been held at Lumley, on which occasion the members visited the castles of Lumbley
and Lambton, and the ancient Collegiate Church of Chester-le-Street—an edifice filled
with memorials of the past, and the former owners of these neighbouring feudal piles.
The second meeting was held on the 14th of June, at Featherston and Haltwihstle,
amid wild moorland scenery, adorned by the blooming heather, and watered by the
Tyne, which flowed there, a pure and shining stream. The Ven. President referred
to the association of those scenes with the memory of his early friend, the Rev. John
Hodgson, the historian; and, after a just.and eloquent tribute to his diligence, his
faithfulness, and the simplicity of his character, exhorted the younger members to imi-
tate his bright example. The third field meeting had been held on the 16th of July,
at Castle Eden; but the excitement attending the general election at that time, had
prevented many members of the club from joining the meeting. The fourth meeting
had been held at Bamborough,—a locality of peculiar attraction and interest. In the
neighbourhood might be mentioned Twizel House, and Spindleston Hills, the latter
associated with the romantic history of the Earl of Derwentwater ; and, beyond these,
was Holy Island, hallowed by the Priory of Lindisfarne and the Farn Islands, where
St. Cuthbert’s Hermitage and Chapel were to be seen, not uncared for at the present
day ; while, on the mainland, the old historic Castle of Bamburgh yet stood in stately
pride, with the venerable church, whose history ascended to the earliest days of Chris-
tianity in Northumberland. The many attractive objects of this locality deserved, he
said, repeated visits from the members, more especially they ought to make a pilgrim-
age to Holy Island, and linger amidst memories which were in truth the history of the
English Church in its early days. The meeting at Bamburgh had been marked by
the reading of a paper by Mr. Albany Hancock, on the nidification of the stickleback,
a peculiarity which had been noticed by Aristotle, but not treated of by subsequent
writers. Dr. Thorp said that the well-known legend of the worm of Spindleston
offered a corroboration of the view suggested by his predecessor in that chair (Mr.
Ingham), in his address last year, that great reptiles, formerly inhabiting the primeval
forests, may have lingered in this country down to a comparatively late period, and
have given rise to the many popular traditions about dragons. The fifth and last meet-

‘Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club. 3925

ing had been held at Otterburn, on the 28th of September, on the hospitable invitation
of Mr. Coward. That was a vicinity full of ancient memorials. Besides the Roman
camp, at which such interesting discoveries had recently been made, and which had
formed the subject of a paper read to the Club by Mr. Kell, there was Elsdon, where the
family of Umfreville had once their tower of strength, and, besides many sylvan ob-
jects, there were all the martial memories of Otterburn, that still live in tradition, and
“look green in song.” The worthy Archdeacon then remarked that it was strictly within
the objects of this Club, to cultivate a knowledge of local antiquities ; its members in
their excursions, which were often taken in places remote from the frequented paths of
men, had opportunities of collecting local tradition, and of visiting localities which had
been the scenes of historical events, or had been marked by buildings of which the ma-
terial traces were fast disappearing. In the buildings and monuments which it was
the province of the archeologist to investigate, the history of the country and its for-
mer inhabitants was written, and a rich field of usefulness, as well as rational pleasure,
was open to a Club which combined such investigations with the immediate pursuits
of the naturalist. As to these, the Ven. President pointed out several plants that were
to be found in the neighbourhood of the city of Durham, and the birds whose notes
gladdened the inhabitants from April to September. He urged members to avail
themselves of the health-giving pleasures which the social meetings of the Club in ru-
ral localities afforded, and to make every step im their field-walks a step in the path of
wisdom, and an approach towards such knowledge as our finite comprehension could
attain of the great Auther of nature, the Infinite and All-wise.

The eloquent and appropriate Address of the Ven. President was received with
cordial applause; he however omitted to state therein, that he had himself entertained
the members at dinner, on the occasion of their visit to Bamburgh Castle, —a visit,
the pleasures of which were greatly enhanced by courteous hospitality.

The President then read a statement of plants and insects, new to the district, which
had been met with during the year. Of the latter, Mr. J. T. Bold exhibited some of
the rarer species of Hydroporus: namely, H. rufifrons, Dup., taken at Boldon Flats;
A. Gyllenhalii, Schiddte, from Gosforth; H. tristis, Payk., from Prestwick Car; H.
obscurus, Sturm, from Gosforth and Prestwick Car; and a small obscure species,
apparently unrecorded as British, which was met with in some plenty at Gosforth, in
company with H. angustatus. The same gentleman exhibited a few of the wild bees
of the district ; also, some very interesting Coleoptera, mostly taken in Cumberland,
including a fine series of a large, dark variety of Hydroporus elegans (?), from Talkin
Tarn. A series of Aphodius Lapponum, and three specimens of A. alpinus, Scop.,
from Tindal Fell. Single specimens of Ips quadripustulata, O6morphus concolor and
Scymnus nigrinus; the first and last captured near Gosforth. Another rarity was a
specimen of the true Blaps mortisaga, Linn., taken in Scotland.

-“ Part 2 vol. ii. of the Club’s ‘ Transactions, and part 3 (the concluding one) of
Messrs. Hardy and Bold’s ‘ Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Northumberland and Dur-
ham,’ were on the table and distributed to the members.

The meeting terminated by the election of officers for the year, Sir W. C. Trevelyan
‘being unanimously voted President,

3926 Dublin Natural History Society.

Proceedings of the Dublin Natural History Society.

Friday, April 8,.1853.—Prorrssor Atiman, M.R.1.A., in the chair.

Several donations were announced, and among them was a very fine engraving,
handsomely framed, of the celebrated wood-engraver, Thomas Bewick; presented by
Dr. Gordon: who passed some deserved eulogiums on Bewick’s skill and truthfulness
in his delineations of animal life.

Mr. Williams presented a fine specimen of the wild swan (Cygnus ferus). This
bird had been in his possession for more than sixteen years, and lately met with a
severe accident, which had broken its wing close to the shoulder, thus rendering it ne-
sessary to kill it. Mr. Williams had bought the swan from a party at Abbeville, in
France. The bird had then been kept nearly sixteen years by the person he purchased
it from, who had captured it, when a mature bird, in a snow-storm. It was therefore
difficult to say what age the bird had reached. He would mention a remarkable fact
connected with the death of the bird. Being anxious to put an end to its sufferings,
he had given strychnine to the bird to the extent of 40 grains, without producing any
sensible effect. |

A paper by Mr. Andrews, “ On the Embryology of the Trout,” was then read.

The author said,—* The true value and importance of the natural sciences are the
useful and practical results that can be derived from the study. The mere collecting
of objects, or the display and arrangement of a museum, may indeed afford pleasure
to many, whose time, or powers of observation, cannot command a more extended
sphere of scientific inquiry ; but a far nobler aim in the study of the natural sciences
is the blending with scientific details enlarged views of practical utility, and to make
Natural History conducive, not merely to amusement, but to the substantial improve-
ment of man. Such are the views of this Society, and to such are its pursuits and
exertions directed.

“ Another important feature in the proceedings are the opinions so freely given by
the members: and it is by discussion, which is the life and soul of a Society like ours,
that we arrive at the truth on subjects which often otherwise would appear perplexed
and obscure.

“So far back as 1847, I had the pleasure, at a meeting of the Society, of submit-
ting to the members a statement relative to the fisheries of Ireland, and alluded at the
time to the many extensive lakes and rivers of this country, whose waters might be
made valuable by the introduction of the impregnated ova of some of the most esteemed
kinds of fish from the lakes and rivers of the Continent; such as the Perca lucio-perea,
P. Zingel, Salmo hucho, &c., which the Danube, Iser, and Save abundantly afford.
In France, the inland fisheries are so cherished, that an acre of water is rendered as
valuable as an acre of ground; and the successful experiments in that country attend-
ing the propagation of the ova, are now rendering the object one of mercantile value.

“One of the most delicious and esteemed fish for the table, the Osphromenus of
Commerson, is remarkable for its size and excellent flavour. It is mentioned as ori-
ginally from China, and known as the Gourami ; thence introduced by the Dutch to
Batavia, who kept and fed it in large earthen vessels, where it deposited its spawn. It
was also kept in tanks in the Isle of France, whence it escaped into the rivers of the
island, and now abounds there. Introduced also to Cayenne, and to the West India

Dublin Natural History Society. 3927

Islands, it has abundantly multiplied, proving, where climate and temperature are
adapted, how readily the propagation can be extended.”

The author here read a letter from Mr. Daniel Smith to Mr. 8. Gurney, jun., in
reference to the impregnated ova of salmon and trout sent from England to Australia.
This letter is given in our number for J une, 1852, (Zool. 3504). He then continued: —

“Mr. Gurney also wrote to me from Carshalton on the 21st of January last, this
pleasing communication: —‘ I expect to begin spawning my fish tomorrow. I have
just heard that some spawn I sent to New Zealand about two years ago, was hatched
in due course, and that the fish from my river (the Wandle), are now flourishing in
the Antipodes.’ This is the course to make Natural History truly useful; and is it
not of the highest importance to have it so directed, that a knowledge of the habits
and spawning states of our most esteemed fish can render their distribution to unpro-
ductive waters, where climate and temperature may prove congenial. The object of
the present paper is not to enter fully into the physiological details of fcetation, or the
development of the embryo, to the growth or development of extrication from the ovum,
but merely the record of observations made during a recent visit to Mr. Gurney, at
Carshalton.”

After a brief description of Mr. Gurney’s grounds, the author proceeds: —

“ T was fortunate in visiting Carshalton about the middle of last month, and had
the opportunity of learning from Mr. Gurney, and of seeing, his successful plans. At
that time the spawning-season was over, and the parent fish had retired from the de-
posit-beds to deep water. After the artificial impregnation of the ova, they are placed
in beds of gravel, in boxes secured with wire gratings, and through which a stream ot
water plays, of sufficient depth to allow the light and temperature necessary for the due
development of the embryo fish. In such state the ova are prepared for transportation
to our remotest colonies. Mr. Gurney had at the time some ova kept in the house in
a tin vessel, which were spawned at Christmas, and sent to him from Derbyshire. Se-
veral had extricated themselves from the eggs, and were actively moving through the
water, with the large vitelline sac attached. The time of extrication much varies, ac-
cording to season or temperature, generally from six to seven weeks. These, under the
microscope, afford most beautiful examples of the circulating system, and I was fortu-
nate in witnessing the extrication of one from theovum. When the ovum is fully ma-
tured, the external tunic or shell becomes exceedingly thin and transparent, is easily
ruptured, and the tail of the embryo fish unbending, first forces the passage out. At
this time the eyes are large and prominent, and all the fins are rudimentary and unde-
veloped. The little creature, however, rapidly grows, the irides assume a brilliant
tinge, the pectoral fins rapidly play, and traces of the formation of the dorsal, caudal
and anal fins are seen. It is then that its extreme beauty is so conspicuous under the
microscope. The vitellicle is attached to the forepart of the abdomen, of an oblong
shape, highly vascular, and the vitelline vessels and circulating cells are beautifully
shown ; the blood flows through the blood-vessels ramified along the sides of the back,
rushes through the large vessel of the vitellicle, and communicates with the heart,
which is situated under the throat, immediately anterior to the pectoral fins, the richly
coloured blood in the pulsating tube beating from 60 to 70 ina minute. Along with
the blood, a transparent matter is seen in constant circulation. This state was admi-
rably shown to me by Mr. Gurney, who kindly presented me with four specimens, and
these lived for three weeks, until killed within these few days, probably by some impu-
rity of the water. At the time of their death they had grown much, were exceedingly

3928 Dublin Natural History Society.

active, swimming with much velocity; their backs and sides had become darker and
spotted; all the fins were well developed, with the exception of the adipose or poste-
rior dorsal fin ; the respiratory organs were beautifully shown, but the vitelline sac had
not diminished in size, nor was the globular yolk in any way absorbed. The litule
creatures would rise with great rapidity to the surface, particularly when fresh water
was given, dart about, then suddenly sink to the bottom, lying on theirsides. I regret
that I lost further opportunity of witnessing their progressive development.

“In the salmon, trout and all oviparous fish, the ova are expelled from the female,
and undergo development independently of the mother; the nourishment necessary
for them being contained within themselves. Thus, when depositing spawn, the pa-
rent fish seek the shoaler grounds, as the influence of light and higher temperature are
absolutely necessary to the maturation and proper development of the ova, and accord-
ing to their peculiar habits the ova are deposited in sandy or muddy, gravelly or rocky
ground. In the ovo-viviparous fish, of which the picked dog-fish (Acanthias vulgaris)
is an example, the young are produced before expulsion, remaining for a period within
the parent. In the young state of the Acanthias, the vitellicle is extremely large, and
hangs as a pedunculate sac from the anterior abdominal portion of the body. The spe-
cimens exhibited were taken in the month of July, at a long distance from the land,
off the coast of Kerry, in 86 fathoms water, on the long lines. I took numbers out of
the old fish, expulsion not having taken place.

‘“‘ These few remarks, and the specimens submitted, will, I am sure, in some degree
satisfy the meeting of the great value and interest that the study of the habits of fishes
presents, and how much we have yet to arrive at in the knowledge of the generation
of those animals.” .

Mr. Andrews concluded by referring to Mr. Warington’s marine vivaria, and men-
tioned that he had himself found the Characee to be most useful plants in keeping the
water pure. He had had Chara delicatula growing and fructifying beautifully in the
vase, with the water unchanged for months, merely adding fresh as evaporation took
place: and he had kept Amphipeplea glutinosa and several delicate Mollusca in a
perfectly health state. |

Specimens of the embryo trout were exhibited preserved in glycerine.

Mr. Ffennell, Inspecting Commissioner of Fisheries, made some observations on
the high importance of Mr. Andrews’s statements in relation to the fisheries of this
country. He referred to the liberal encouragement given by the French Government
to the artificial propagation of fish in France; and mentioned that Messrs. Ashworth,
of Stockport had purchased property near Galway, and were successfully carrying on
the breeding of salmon in Lough Corrib,

The Chairman also made some observations on the great interest of Mr. Andrews’s
paper, as containing practical views on an important subject. He then gave a rapid
sketch of the phenomena of embryonic development, illustrating, by means of dia~
grams on the black board, the successive stages, from the first traces of organization
in the egg to the final escape of the little fish into the surrounding water.

Mr. Kinahan read the commencement of his paper “ On the Autumnal Song of
Birds.”

BENTALL’S
BOTANICAL DRYING PAPER.

IN soliciting the attention of Botanists to the above Paper, Edward
Newman begs to state that it is manufactured expressly for the purpose
of drying specimens for the Herbarium. It possesses all the quali-
ties required in such Paper, preserving form and colour in the best
possible manner, and having the peculiar advantage of seldom, if ever,
requiring a change of sheets whilst the plants are being dried, by
which much time and trouble are saved. Its stoutness and durability
also combine to render it economical, making it practically quite as
cheap as ordinary Papers sold ata lower price. Edward Newman
feels much pleasure in being able to state that its merits have been
fully proved by our most eminent Botanists, whose valuable Testi-
monials in its favour are here subjoined.

From Sir W..J. Hooker, K.H., L.L.D., F.R.A. and L.S., V.P.L.S.,
Director of the Royal Botanic Garden of Kew, &c., Sc.
“ All I have to say is in its favour. It is the best Paper for the
purpose I have ever employed.”
From C. C. Babington, Esq., M.A., F.LS., F.G.S., F.B.S., §c., $c.
“7 have now made use of your Paper during the whole of my sum-
mer tour in Scotland, and have found it to be by far the best Paper
for drying specimens of Plants that I have ever used.”

From T. Bell Salter, Esq., M.D., FL.S., $c.

“1 have made sufficient trial of your Paper to congratulate myself
on possessing that which will enable me to dry many more Plants
than I could otherwise find time for. It has the advantage of render-
ing far fewer changes necessary ; and in many instances, with plenty
of Paper and plenty of pressure, no changing at all is required. In
cases where the stems are thick, and the leaves dry quickly, as in the
genus Rubus, it is very useful, for, from its elasticity, it fits down close
to the leaves, and prevents their shrivelling, which they are apt to do
in paper of other mechanical properties.”

From Hewett C. Watson, E'sq., F.L.S., F.B.S., §c.

“1 think it may safely be pronounced the best combination of the
qualities required in such Paper that I have hitherto met with, after
trying several kinds, both British made and Foreign.”

From the Rev. W. S. Hore, M.A., F.L.S., F.B.S., &c., §c.
“T highly approve of your new Paper for drying Plants, and consi-

der it far preferable to the Cambridge Chalk-paper, which I previously
employed, but which will now be discarded by me in the preparation

2 -

of Plants for the Herbarium. I have also found it most valuable in
drying Alge, the most decisive test, in my opinion, to which such
Paper can be subjected, and safely recommend it to all engaged in
the study of these Plants.”

From the late E. Forster, E'sq., V.P.L.S., F.R.S., F.HS., &c., §e.

“‘ Having used your Botanical Drying Paper, and found it to answer
the purpose intended, completely, I can safely recommend it to all
Botanists who wish to have their specimens well preserved.”

From the late W. A. Bromfield, Esq., M.D., F.L.S., F.BS.. &c., §c.

“‘T consider your new Botanical Drying Paper as quite deserving
of the reputation it has already acquired, combining, as it does, the
requisite qualities of strength, absorbent power, and moderate cost.
I shall have much pleasure in recommending its use to my botanical
friends.”

From the Leading Article of the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ (April 5,
1845), edited by Professor Lindley, Ph. D., F.RS., F.L.S., F.GS.,
§c., §e. |
“Tt has long been regretted that the heavy duty levied in England

upon foreign paper should prevent the importation of the cheap woolly
fabric of the French. That regret no longer exists, for we can state
that Messrs. Bentall’s Paper is, in every respect, as good, and in qua-
lity much better than the generality of the French coarse drying-
paper. We have used it ourselves with much advantage, and we have
seen specimens of plants which are very difficult to dry well, such as
the common Myosotis, with even their colours perfectly preserved.

“ All botanical students should provide themselves with a supply of
this material.”

From Leo. H. Grindon, Esq.

“ Your Paper has given the most unqualified satisfaction to me and
my friends. It possesses so many good qualities, that any person
once trying it, I am persuaded, will never relinquish its use. It pre-
serves colours so admirably, and with so little trouble as to changing
damp sheets for dry ones, that I can recommend it from these circum-
stances alone. Its strength, cheapness, and durability are likewise
deserving of general approbation. I trust that we shall, ere long, see
a better style of drying specimens. It must be the case as soon as
your Paper comes generally into use.”

The following are the sizes and prices for 1853 :—

16 inches by 10 when folded, 15s. per ream, Is. Od. per quire.

18 ce i ne 18s. ae SR ania
20 rs 12 co Q15. ne Veaal rt.
20 nf 16 ‘5 28s. - ig;"ear 2e

{=> It is very important that orders (accompanied by clear direc-
tions as to the mode of conveyance, and a Post-office Order or Stamps
to the amount), be sent direct to the Agent, Epwarp NEwMAN, 9,
Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate.

Journal of a Voyage to Central America. 3929

Short Extracts from a Journal of a Voyage made to Central America
in 1852. By Jutian Desy.*

I teFT Antwerp on board the brig Plantin, bound for La Guayra
(Venezuela) and St. Thomas de Guatemala, on the 21st of February,
1852. My intention was to have travelled over a great portion of
Central America; but, as I shall further relate, the unsettled state of
the country, and severe fever, ultimately drove me home much sooner
than I had anticipated. However, being now restored to health, and
my spirits unabated, I am determined to recommence my expedition
very shortly.

Believing that a few rough and imperfect notes from my journal,
on subjects of Natural History, may be agreeable to the readers of the
‘Zoologist’ (some of whom will perhaps recollect my name), I forward
the following extracts for insertion in that journal, should you deem
them worth reading. The present portion treats only of the few ob-
servations I made at sea; in those which are to follow I shall briefly
relate my subsequent proceedings on land, which, I believe, will be
found more interesting.

On the 25th of February, in lat. 47° 16’ N., long. 99 22’ W., hav-
ing hung a small net behind the vessel, I caught several Sagittas, and
a large number of Noctilucas. The first of these, viewed under the
microscope, is a singular hermaphrodite animal, the classification of
which is very difficult to establish. I distinctly saw the zoosperms
moving briskly in the ovaria. The Noctilucas, which are the princi-
pal agents of the phosphorescence of the sea in our temperate regions,
are very certainly Infusoria, with a flagelliform articulated swimming-
apparatus: the radiated lines seen in them, and which by some natu-
ralists have been looked upon as traces of a nervous system, according
to my views are nothing else than external elevated lines, which dis-
appear on the slightest pressure. | These small and delicate animals
remain by thousands. at the bottom of the net, forming a jelly-like
mass, which, on turning the net inside out intoa large tumbler full of
sea water, immediately swim about slowly (having the appearance of
small transparent bubbles, of the size of a pin’s head), and may be
collected separately for observation under the microscope, by means

* Hoping some day to publish a complete account of my voyages and travels, I
must be excused for not entering here into scientific details of all I observed.—J. D.

XI. 2 ©

3930 Journal of a Voyage

of a small glass tube, or even with a common pipe-stem, the finger
acting as a kind of valve on the top or open end of the tube.

Feb. 29: (lat. 36 55; long. 15 56). I was called out of the cabin
to see some “ Meerswein” (sea-pigs), which were swimming in front
of the ship, passing and repassing with incredible velocity before the
stem of the vessel. As well as I could distinguish, I took them for
the common dolphin. Having made myself fast to the bowsprit, I
tried to harpoon one of them, but my awkwardness only served to
frighten them away.

March 1: (lat. 34 18; long. 17 54). I saw today, for the first time,
the beautiful Portuguese man-of-war (Physalisa pelagica). 'This sin-
gular animal, with its silvery, pink, and violent tints shining in the
sun on the blue sea, is to me one of the most beautiful of ocean sights.

March 2: (lat. 31 49; long. 20 28). Saw some more dolphins and
numbers of Physalisa, which latter animal I continued to observe dur-
ing nearly the whole of my voyage.

March 4: (lat. 27 8; long. 25 12). We have entered the region of
Fucus natans, Z., (Sargassum vulgare of modern botanists); small
patches of which are floating here and there around the vessel. Ac-
cording to Meyen, this plant is found from 22° to 369 N. lat. and from —
25° to 45° W. long. I collected some specimens, all of which exhi-
bited evident marks of decay. This is the well-known plant described
by all navigators since Columbus; and called by the French naviga-
tors, “ Raisin du Tropique.” On my return home, I had occasion to
pass through the Bahama field of Sargasso, which is noticed by Hum-
boldt and other naturalists. I caught a gray-coloured parasitical
Entomostracan, of the family Caligide, of which I made a microsco-
pical drawing: it was swimming freely in the sea.

March 5: (lat. 25 32; long. 26 43). I have collected a few ani-
mals on some floating masses of Sargasso; the most remarkable of
which is a brown nudibranchiate mollusc, with four branchial ap-
pendages on the back and two on the head. The sailors called it a
* sea-horse,” from the appearance of its head. Being without the ne-
cessary books, I cannot determine the species. On the same sea-
weed I found some small crabs, and a beautiful and delicate species
of a compound Campanularia, each specimen of which bore from three
to ten individuals. ‘The total length of the whole polype was a quar-
ter of an inch; the arms of each individual in one row, and about
twenty in number.

March 7. Passed the Tropic and saw a shark. I saw several very
small flying fish, (Hazocetus mesogaster, Cuv., or Hillianus, Gosse ?) ;

-to Central America. 3931

they looked like.small birds, but, glittering in the sun, presented a sin-
gularly airy aspect, their fins becoming nearly invisible.

March 8: (lat. 21 57; long. 32 13). The sea is most beautifully
phosphorescent this evening; thousands of sparks — some yellow,
some green, some red, and of different sizes—are shining in the white
spray caused by the ship’s rapid course through the waves. The sea
near the vessel has the aspect of a black sky, on which are floating
fleecy snow-white clouds, through and around which hundreds of stars
are twinkling with surprising brilliancy. ‘The clear moon, on rising,
puts out the animated stars of the ocean, and at the same time eclipses
the light of the celestial ones; Venus alone, throwing on the waters
her long ray of silvery glow, does not shrink before the glaring disk.

March 9: (long. 33 23; lat. 21 15). Four large Cetaceans passed
slowly alongside our vessel: their length was about 20 or 25 feet;
the back and hinder part of the very convex head were alone out of
the water, the blow-holes very far back; the back was dirty brown,
the nape and head being grayish. ‘These animals blew the air through
their spiracles, so as to produce a loud snorting sound, but did not
eject any water. They were, I believe, some species of Globicepha-
lus, perhaps G. fuscus, which is unknown to me otherwise than by
name. -¥8)

March 10: (lat. 20 31; long. 36 54). . I fished up two pretty Me-
dusas, of the family Oceanide, about 2 inches long, with vermilion-
coloured nucleus; also some fine specimens of Velella, which were
floating in great numbers on the surface of the calm sea, in company
with Physalisa. These singular Siphonophore are of a fine blue co-
lour when living, but change to yellowish brown in spirits. I believe
I can distinguish two species, by theirsize and the shape of the dorsal
cartilaginous plate : the smaller one having it triangular; the larger,
oval-oblong. The Velella can float on its back, making use of its
under side (as would a gasteropodous mollusc of its foot), so as to form
a vacuum: it is, however, generally seen with its carina uppermost.
Empty shells of Spirula are common, floating on the surface of the
waves ; as also a fine species of compound Salpa, with blue nucleus.

March 12: (lat. 19 45; long. 37 32). Many large flying fish (Hvo-
cetus volitans) appeared today. Several small white birds were ob-
served at a distance, but did not come near enough to be recognised.

March 13: (lat. 18 44; long. 39 21). Exocetus volitans very fre-
quent. I still see patches of Fucus natans; this is more than three
degrees further South than is indicated by botanists. I caught a
small isopodous Crustacean, of a shining steel-blue colour; the

3932 Journal of a Voyage

caudal respiratory lamelle were in perpetual motion. I also fished
up in a bucket of water a luminous amphipodous Crustacean.

March 14: (lat. 17 13; long. 41 35). Flying fish numerous. I
ascertained, by frequent observations, that these animals can make
one turn, right or left, whilst flying, using their tail to direct their
course, much in the same manner as a bird does, or like the rudder
of a ship. |

March 17: (lat. 12 55; long. 42 30). Caught a small Physalisa,
which appears distinct from the common species: its size is five times
less ; the smaller tentacula are of a clear yellow colour; and a thin,
membranous, wing-like dorsal fin occupies the upper part of the swim-
ming-bladder. I also collected a beautiful sky-blue Medusa.

March 18: (lat. 12 56; long. 42 11). Thousands of small globu-
lar gelatinous masses (Meduse ?) are floating at different depths in
the clear and calm water, following the direction of the great ocean-
current. They are so delicate that I find it impossible to take them
in my net without destroying them.

March 22: (lat. 12 48; long. 49 53). A petrel hovered over the
ship this evening at dusk; it looked like a large bat, so fantastical
and noiseless were its evolutions. Flying fish of the two species have
been numerous all day.

March 26: (lat. 13; long 50 28). This evening a noddy (Sterna
stolida) came on board, and was caught by the hand. This bird is
well known to all navigators on account of its stupidity, 2. e., its fear-
lessness of man. We passed in sight of the island of Barbadoes today.

March 27: (lat. 12; long. 61 44). After passing the island of
Carriacou and some of the Grenadines, we sailed along the eastern side
of the most beautiful island of New Granada. Between the vessel
and the coast a flock of at least a hundred small dolphins were fro-
licking. They were following each other in Indian file, jumping out
of the water fifteento twenty at a time, exhibiting their white and
shining bellies: none-came near the ship. ‘Two or three larger whales
were slowly swimming in a small bay, loudly spouting up water ever
and anon to a considerable height. From the deck, this seemed to
disperse into the air, just like a jet of steam allowed to escape from
the valve of an engine-boiler. Divers birds, among which the most
remarkable to a stranger’s eye was Phaéton ethereus, visited our
vessel.

March 28: (lat. 11 37; long. 63 34). A few birds flying in the
distance, and some jets of steam thrown up by a whale, are the only
signs of life I can discern this morning. In the evening we are just

to Central America. 3933

opposite the dark rocks of Los Hermannos, behind which the sun
sets gloriously ; large birds are slowly winging their course towards
their resting-places on these small islands. Taking my evening bath
on deck, in a large barrel of sea-water, I was surprised to find it full
of phosphorescent animals, which were creeping all over my body.

March 29: (lat. 11 10; long. 69 12). Today I enjoyed a beauti-
ful sight which highly interested me ; thousands of beautiful blue bo-
nitas (a large and well-known fish) were pursuing shoals of flying fish
and other small fry. Innumerable flocks of sterns, Phaétons, and
many other birds, accompanied them and disputed their food. As
soon as the bonitas, leaping out of the water, and lashing loudly in all
directions in their eagerness to seize their agile prey, produced on the
surface of the sea a white and foaming spot, some bird, soaring on
high, would perceive them, and, uttering a loud cry, call all its fea-
thered companions to the feast. In a minute the scene was indescrib-
ably curious: the bustle of the birds, splashing into the water in the
midst of the bonitas, and all screaming and yelling together, reminded
me of a yard where different kinds of poultry are fed on a small quan-
tity of grain, which they are all eager to make the most of in as short
a space of time as possible. We passed in sight of the flat, inhospita-
ble, and uninhabited island of Tortuga.

March 30. This morning we came in sight of the mountains of the
Sierra de la Costa of Venezuela. Plantations of cocoa-trees, Phenix,
Indian corn, sugar-cane, &c., were stretched along the coast, the rocks
above being covered to a considerable height by a forest of gigantic
candelabra-like Cactuses, from 20 to 30 feet in height. In the after-
noon we reached La Guayra, and cast anchor. This town has a sin-
gular aspect: it is spread out along a narrow slip of land, between the
rocks and the sea, and is backed by steep and dark mountains, several
thousand feet high, the most elevated of which, according to Hum-
bolat, is the Scilla. A walk I took in the evening on the strand, pro-
cured me the pleasure of seeing some plants for the first time in a wild
- state. Amongst them were large quantities of Argemone Mexicana,
in full blossom, the immense Cactus (C. Peruvianus ?) already spoken
of, Cereus triangularis, a pretty leafless Euphorbia with red flowers,
the true cotton-tree, cocoa-nut trees, bananas, and many others. In
the Posada de Neptuno, where I have taken lodgings, I was pleased
to see, cultivated in pots, and with great care, a plant of Plantago
major, and some of our common roses. It is difficult to express the
pleasure felt by the naturalist at seeing even a common and ugly plant
of his native land, cultivated so far from home ; it immediately brings

3934 Journal of a Voyage

to mind associations of country strolls in our colder climes; of the
green orchard where we romped. in our boyhood, of the lane of our
village where we were wont to dream on sunny evenings, and pick a
spike of plantain-seeds for our sister’s canary-bird ; such sensations
can only be felt — they cannot be described. Mosquitos are not nu-
merous at La Guayra, so that.I could sleep with all my windows open,
and without a mosquito-net. The European vegetables are eaten
here, being cultivated round Caraccas, where the temperature is much
lower. Many pigs, of a dirty gray colour, long in shape, very flat on
the ribs, very hairy all over, and with thin crooked legs, are running
about the streets ; and many may be seen in the huts of the negroes,
living péle-méle with men, women, squalid children and screeching
parrots. These pigs, when of a good size, are worth 5s. each. Ox-
meat sells at about 3s. the five-and-twenty pounds; it is brought to
market from the Llanos of the interior.. Sharks are very numerous on
this coast; and I cannot understand what led Humboldt to state that
they are not dangerous here, as they are very much dreaded by all the
native sailors and boatmen, and accidents caused by them are nume-
rous. Walking, or rather clambering, around the place next day, I
saw some small humming-birds, numbers of the Caraccas vultures fly-
ing in pairs, turtle doves, and small yellow-banded and green-chinned
lizards. I found in the gneiss a vein of quartz, containing blue car-
bonate of copper, and a substance which looked much like Halloysite.

April 1. I hired a mule to go'to Caraccas. I followed the old road
over the mountains, so well described by Humboldt; a new one has
since been made, which takes a long circuit round the mountains, so
as to follow the valleys.. On the way I noticed a beautiful plantation
of cocoa-trees near the sea-shore; and as I ascended the steep and
tedious path, which winds irregularly up the mountain side, I was
delighted with the singing of birds: turtle doves of two kinds ran
familiarly before me on the road. I first passed through the forest of
Cactuses, among which were numerous fine Mimosas, Agaves, &c.
As I ascended, the air became cooler, and small forms of ferns and -
Lycopodiacez were common; also a pretty Gesneria, some Melasto-
mas, a Bignonia, a large Arum, a Tradescantia, a Pteris, or something
that looked very like our P. aquilina ; a small yellow-flowered Oxalis,
and a delicate pink-coloured terrestrial Orchis, also attracted my at-
tention. I remained two days at Caraccas, visiting the town and its
environs ; a description of all I noted there would lead me too far for
this paper. Everything interests one in these distant lands. Ina
walk through the market-place, | saw conical, loaves of brown sugar,

to Central America. 3935

cochineal, skins of the jaguar and of tiger-cats, black beans (/rijoles),
bananas, plantains, pine-apples, living peccaries led by tawny Indians,
fresh-water Cheloniz sold by more than half-naked negroes, stinking
meat spread out under small, hot, wooden sheds, &c. &c.; all these
things forcibly impress on the mind of the stranger the fact that he
is far indeed from old Europe, and that he must be wide awake to
observe all worth noting as curious, interesting, or instructive to him-
self or others.

On the 6th of April we again embarked, doubled Cape Blanco, and
then lost sight of land.

April 7. Passed the islands of Buenos Ayres and Curazao, and saw
the mountainous outline of Oruba. Small flying fish numerous.

April 8: (lat. 14 25; long. 76 16). Saw today, for the first time,
the large flying fish with black pectoral fins (Hxocetus Noveboracen-
sis ?), noticed by Mr. Gosse in his most interesting work on the Natu-
ral History of Jamaica, a book which I took out with me, and which
made many hours pass very agreeably that would have appeared long
and dreary without so lively a companion.

April 9.: (lat. 19 51; long. 79 10). Large patches of Sargassum
are floating around us; it. is very long since we saw any. Smaller
flying fish numerous.

April 11. A Tringa came and rested on board.

April 12. Passed near the Santanilla, or Swan’s Island, a small, low,
sandy, arid, uninhabited and dismal bit of land. A few sea-birds and
shrubs are the only living productions of this island. In the night, a
small shoal of porpoises surrounded the vessel: they announced their
arrival. by loud, short, and frequent snortings, and left long, luminous,
phosphorescent tracks in the sea wherever they passed. The island
of Santanilla was wrongly marked on my map and on the captain’s:
we compared our observations, and. found it ‘to lie in long. 83° 51/ W.,
and lat. 17° 25/ N.; whereas on my map it is placed in long. 84° 10!
W., long. 17° 15’ N. The island being low, vessels might easily be
grounded on it during a dark night.

April 13. After passing the Zapotilla Kays, near which the sea
was covered with circular brown Meduse, and doubling Cape Mana-
bique, we entered the fine Bay of Sto. Thomas de Guatemala, having
safely crossed the Atlantic in fifty-three days. In a future paper, I
shall continue to note such of my subsequent proceedings on land as
may appear likely to prove interesting to the readers of the ‘ Zoologist.’

JULIAN DEBY.
Bloquemont, May, 1853.

3936 Quadrupeds.

Notes on the Habits of some Species of Bats.
By JonaTHan Coucg, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

THERE are.no British animals of the distinctive habits of which so
little is known as the bats. It is not even a settled question whether
any of them migrate from us in the winter ; whether they change their
quarters according to the seasons; or to what extent they are influ-
enced by the variations of the atmosphere.

From these considerations, at the season of the year when these
creatures appeared to be beginning to feel the influence of the short-
ening days and an alteration of temperature, I began to keep a journal
of their appearances; and in doing this, I beg to remark, that when I
have noted the absence of bats, it does not simply mean that they have
not fallen in my way; but that they were carefully sought for in situ-
ations where, if they were to appear at all, they were most likely to
be found.

1852.

September 4. Bats not seen: evening calm, but. overcast.

September 5. No bats: evening clear. and. fine. This evening is.
so far favourable for them, and so quiet, being Sunday, that I can only
suppose they have taken new hunting-ground, which probably they
often do.

September 6. At T (23 miles from the coast), an ancient castel-
lated mansion, where, from former knowledge, all the bats appear to
be of the horse-shoe species. They are on flight in good daylight,
and fly more rapidly than bats appear to do elsewhere. I find them
flying about half a mile from what must be their resting-place. I saw
only one near my home (near the coast), although the place is more
sheltered from the wind. -Wind N.W., and a little chilly:

_ September 7. Only one bat seen, for a moment, in the Warren
near the sea. Wind N., showery and chilly.

September 8. One bat, only seen for a moment at a distance ; none
where they are usually abundant. Wind N.E., mild and showery.

September 9. No bats: fine evening ; wind N.E., mild and over-
cast.

September 11. One bat hovering for a short time: evening fine,
calm; wind N. :

September 12. No bats: calm and overcast.

September 13. Bats flying at T , and a couple flying in the hall,
which they not unfrequently enter in autumn. A fortnight since, a

Quadrupeds. 3937

young one, of the small horse-shoe species, was caught in a bed-room
in the house. This evening they are flying to the distance of half a
mile from the mansion: evening fine and calm. A gentleman living
there informs me, that a few days since he saw bats flying near his
window between 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning, when quite dark.

September 14. Bats common in flight at Looe. I find that horse-
shoe bats are common there. Some of them make their homes in an
adit of an old attempt at mining at Penrock, near the sea; but they
are not found suspended close together. Four or five were found, not
torpid, in the cold weather of a former winter: the weather at that
time was cold in the open air, but sensibly warm in the adit. I exa-
mined two specimens of Vespertilio Nattereri, and one of V. i
lus, caught at Looe.

September 16. One large bat flew straight and quick over the up-
per end of a garden on the side of a steep hill, a little after 7 o’clock,
and did not return. Weather calm, fine, feeling rather cold.

September 17. No bats. Wind S.E., blowing rather strong, with
flying showers.

September 18. One bat seen in the Warren: a very wet day.

September 19. No bats seen after a short search.

September 20. At T . Bats, believed to be the horse-shoe spe-
cies, flying early in the evening, near the ground, on the sheltered side
of the mansion ; none elsewhere. Weather fine, windy; moonlight.

September 21. One bat seen hastily : fine evening.

September 22. No bats: weather very fine.

September 23. One bat seen in the morning, between 5 and 6
o'clock; and one in the evening, which flew rapidly from the Warren
towards a cove in the sea-cliff, and did not return. Weather fine but
cool.

September 24. No bats: fine evening ; bright moonlight.

September 25. One bat, appearing of larger size, flying high and
straight over the tops of trees in a plantation ; afterwards one, proba-
bly the same, flying high over the street in large circles. None seen
among the houses, where, in summer, the small bats are numerous.
Weather fine. pi hats ,

September 26. One bat, in a glade im the side of a hill. It took
long and straight flights, which might have proceeded from the scar-
city of prey. Once or twice it flew in among the leaves of an ash-tree,
as if seeking something on or among the foliage. I remember once,
in broad day-light, to have seen a long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus)
come close to where I was standing, and take something from the

XI. 2 F

3938 Quadrupeds.

surface of a leaf: probably this one is of the same species, for the size
appears the same. If so, it may show one use of the long ears, which
may act as organs of quick sensation, as it flies among leaves which
stand thick on the tree.

September 27. <A few, flying low, at T , near the mansion ;
none elsewhere. Weather overcast, with a brisk North wind.

September 30. In the Warren. One bat, in a rapid and transitory
flight ; seen but a short time. Weather calm and cloudy.

October 1. No bat: evening calm.

October 4. No bat: heavy rain all day.

October 5. No bat: showers.

October 6. At T No bat: weather fair.

October 7. Ata village in the country and homeward. No bat:
weather overcast.

October 8. In the Warren. No bat: weather fine but cold.

October 9. One bat flew once in a straight line along the tops of
a line of elms in a plantation: evening fine.

October 11. No bats.

October 12. Early in the evening, one bat, of large size, seen
flying high, and passing quickly from place to place, at considerable
distances apart. Another in the Warren, seen only for a short time:
none seen later. Weather fair, wind E.

October 14. One bat in a sheltered place: wind E. and strong.

October 15. A small bat flying in repeated circles about one sta-
tion, a little sheltered: wind strong.

October 16. A small bat, like that of the preceding evening, pro-
bably the same, flying at the same place, in moderate circles, but not
remaining long in one place. I think it makes the circuit of the town.
Its fare must be scanty. It is incommoded by the wind, which is
East, and strong.

October 17. Several bats early in the evening, flying high; one of
them small: all flying in circles. One flew near me in a plantation
of trees, passing through the foliage backward and forward. Gnats
abundant. I am informed that there were also several near T ‘
Weather calm and mild.

October 18. Bats abundant, as in a summer evening ; some flying
low : weather fine.

October 20. No bats: weather changing to wet.

October 21 and 22. Very rainy evenings.

October 23. No bats: damp evening.

October 24. A few bats, of small size : cloudy and calm.

Quadrupeds. 3939

November 1. Bats flying: rainy evening, with thick mist. The
weather has been very wet and windy for a week.

November 5. One bat seen in the evening: rainy and cold.

November 6. No bats: much rain and wind.

November 7. No bats: rainy. Rain every day.

November 12. No bats: high wind.

November 13. Severe rain.

November 14. Several bats, some of a larger size, and flying rather
high : windy, cloudy, and disposed to rain.

November 15. No bats: cloudy and disposed to rain.

November 19. Bats flying rather high, on a sheltered side of a
hill: cold showers.

November 21. No bats: brisk North wind after a rainy day.

Days and evenings following very wet, and generally stormy.

November 27. No bats: slight showers, and chilly.

December 6. No bats: evening overcast. From the time of the
last note, the weather has been generally rainy, with wind in the
evenings.

December 8. No bats: showery.

December 12. Bats, of small size, flying high and rapidly in a
sheltered place: wind rather high, overcast.

December 25. No bats: wind moderate, overcast.

December 26. No bats: windy. Very stormy evenings.

December 29. No bats: overcast.

1853.

January 2. No bats: weather windy.

January 5. No bats: weather mild.

January 9. Two bats flying actively: weather clear.

January 10 to 12. Stormy.

January 14. No bats: overcast, and slight rain.

January 20. No bats: mild, slight clouds.

January 23. No bats: clear, cold, wind North.

January 26 and 27. No bats: cloudy, cold, wind East, frosty.

January 30. No bats: weather moderately fine.

February 1. No bats: cloudy, with some wind.

February 6. No bats: clear, frosty, thermometer 41°.

February 16. No bats: the weather has continued with smart frost,
wind N.E.

February 17 and 18. No bats: sharp frost, thermometer 33°.

February 22. No bats: weather milder, slight showers, wind N.

3940 Quadrupeds.
February 26.
March 8.
March 5.
March 6.
March 7.

No bats: windy from N.W., chilly.

No bats: fair, slight wind from the North.

No bats: overcast, wind N.W.

No bats: a thick wet mist.

One bat at T——., near the mansion: weather calm, fair.

March 8. One or two appearances of bats; a momentary flitting :
one on a secluded side of a hill, with trees : weather fair.

March 9. No bats: weather overcast.

March 10. No bats: wind South and brisk, overcast.

March 12. No bats: windy, with clouds.

March 14. No bats: showers.

March 19. No bats: clear, with smart frost ; wind East.
March 21. No bats: cloudy, slight snow-showers ; wind North.
March 22. No bats: clear, frosty; wind N.E.

March 26. No bats: clear, frosty.

March 27. No bats: clear, cold.

March 28. No bats: fine evening.

April l. Bats flying: wind West.

April 2. No bats: showery ; wind S.W.

April 4. No bats: rainy evening.

April 6. Bats: a damp mist.

April 7. No bats seen in the place where I saw two on the 6th,

but one seen in the Warren, where none have been seen for a long time.

April 8. No bats: weather clear, cool ; wind North.

April 9. No bats: cloudy; wind W.N.W.

April 11. One bat, flying along the lane near T , the first seen
in any situation that is not much sheltered: weather fair and clear ;
wind North.

April 13. No bats along the road from T
fine but cool; wind N.E., and a cold day.

and home: weather

April 14. No bats along the same road: cold, wind N.E.

April 15. No bats: overcast, slight wind from the North.

April 16. No bats: overcast, wind W.N.W.

April 17. No bats: overcast.

April 18. Bats more numerous than I have seen them for the

season, appearing early in the evening. One large one flew rapidly
straight along, and did not return: it is the first of this size I have
seen this season. Weather cloudy, calm; wind light from S.W.

April 19. One bat: cloudy, wind N.W.

April 20. No bats: rainy, cool evening.

April 21. Bats: light showers, and mild.

Quadrupeds. 3941

April 22. One bat, ina sheltered place ; showers through the day,
in the evening wind North, and cloudy.

April 23. Bats flymg: wind W.N.W., cool.

April 25. No bats at T and homeward: evening cold.

April 28. Early in the evening a bat flew straight outward through
our harbour from the town, to Scilly Cove, and did not appear again.
Later in the evening bats were numerous, in places long forsaken by
them, flying in long curves. Weather mild and cloudy.

From this time the bats have resumed their summer habits, but
seem still influenced by the weather, as on : —

May 7. No bats: cold showers, wind North.

May 11. No bats: clear, cool, wind N.W.

May 16. Bats now take long and active flights, and in such num-
bers, as to show that hitherto those which have appeared could only
have been a small proportion of such as lay hid. With such frequent
and long interruptions of flight, is it possible to suppose that the chief
part of their sustenance can be obtained on the wing?

May 20. No bats: a fine evening, calm and warm, bright moon-
light. I observe that bats do not continue to fly later when the moon
shines brightly, but their absence this evening is remarkable.

May 21. Bats flying, but they disappeared earlier than usual; I
saw none after the moonlight prevailed over the day. A fine evening,
wind East.

May 30. No bats: yet the evening is fine and calm, although yes-
terday, when the weather was cool, and the wind East, bats were in
flight.

June 5. Only one bat seen for a moment, after 9 oelegh: weather
calm, overcast. ,

The following notes from other parts of my journal will further tend
to illustrate the habits of different species of bats.

January 11. A specimen of the larger horse-shoe bat brought to
me, taken as it was in flight, and proving that this species does not
leave us in the winter.

Several specimens of the lesser horse-shoe bat have come into my
possession, and I observe that both the ears and horse-shoe membrane
on the nose are very sensitive and movable. The weight of one spe-
cimen was 77 grains, of another, 74 grains, of another, 73 grains; ex-
tent of wing 9 inches and 3-tenths. | When at rest, this species turns
up its tail over its back: it is exceedingly beautiful when closely
folded up in its wings.

3942 Quadrupeds.

Long-eared Bat.—December 21, a specimen found abroad, attached
to a wall. May 24, one was on flight at half past 3 o’clock in the af-
ternoon ; its flight heavy and with labour. April 25, at half past 9 in
the morning, one hawking for flies in bright sunshine. On being pur-
sued it became confused, and was caught: in captivity it rose from
the ground with great facility. Extent of wings, 104 inches; weight,
95 grains.

Vespertilio emarginatus. — A specimen weighed 97 grains; extent
of wing 103 inches.

Pipistrelle.—I find the extent of wing to vary from 7 inches to 83,
and the weight from 42 grains to 55. There is also a note of one with
the extent of wing 73% inches, which weighed 93 grains; but this I
imagine to be a mistake. A friend observed of one to which the
young ones were attached, that they were separated from the teats
with difficulty, and that when separated, they were not again able to
lay hold of them: and the old one then seemed quite indifferent to
her young, running over them without care.

February 10.—One of this species was seen on the wing at 1 o’clock
in the day, with the weather bright, appearing much at its ease. It
came from a cove in the sea-cliff.

In July, twenty-eight of them were discovered, congregated toge-
ther in a square. hole in the wall of a mill; they were all of one
species, but differing in size and colour. The smallest weighed 40
grains, the largest 83; colour of the former very dark, the fur less so
than the membrane; colour of the old ones much more fulvous. They
made a stridulous noise when irritated, or when creeping over each
other; the sound being uttered with a jerk, with the mouth thrown
widely open. When left at rest they huddled together. One of the
smaller ones held on by the teats of the dam until she escaped from
its hold.

August 30, at half-past 5 o’clock, the sky clear, with a bright sun,
a bat, probably of this species, mounted high in the air in pursuit of
food; and whilst engaged in this occupation it was seen by a swallow,
which immediately gave chase to it. The swallow persecuted this lit-
tle animal by repeatedly striking at it, and followed it closely, until at
last the bat was compelled to descend for shelter near to the houses.
But when the persecutor appeared to have withdrawn, the bat boldly
mounted again to the upper region of air; there, however, it was soon
discovered by the swallows, two or three of which now joined in the
persecution, and ultimately forced it again to descend to a place of
safety. For the third time it mounted aloft, and there turned and

Birds. 3943

dipped after its prey, but was again discovered ; and now, as if in re-
sentment of its daring invasion of their territories, a little host of swal-
lows gathered about it, and strove to strike or drive it down. But
this was not soon or easily accomplished ; the bat appeared deter-
mined to enjoy some of the good things to be obtained in its unusual
elevation, and it was a considerable time before it was finally obliged
to seek its shelter among the houses. I could not help admiring the
courage, as well as agility, which the little flutterer exhibited on this

occasion.
® JONATHAN CoucH.
Polperro, June, 1853.

Note on the Song of the Willow Wren and Chiff-chaff—aA curious circumstance
came under the observation of Mr. Vingoe yesterday, which he has reported to me,
respecting the song of what he considers to have been a chiff-chaff. It consisted of
the usual passages of both its own chirp song, and the modulated cadence of the wil-
low-wren. It commenced with the “chip, chop” notes, but these passed gradually to
the song of the willow-wren, but the blending of the two songs was different at times,
sometimes the performance being confined to one without the other, at others united,
but the notes peculiar to each species were, when uttered, distinct and specific.— Hd-
ward Hearle Rodd; Penzance, May 23, 1853.

Note on the Copulation of Swifts. — There is an observation in White’s Selborne
(Letter 61, to Daines Barrington), relative to the way in which sexual intercourse
takes place amongst the swifts, the author firmly believing that it is effected while on
the wing. He says, “ The fact I would advance is, that swifts tread or copulate on
the wing; and I would wish any nice observer, that is startled at the supposition, to
use his own eyes, and I think he will soon be convinced.” A little further on he con-
tinues : — “ If any person would watch these birds of a fine morning in May, as they
are sailing round, at a great height from the ground, he would see, every now and
then, one drop on the back of another, and both of them sink down together, for many
fathoms, with a loud piercing shriek. This 1 take to be the juncture when the busi-
ness of generation is carrying on.” This observation of the worthy old historian of
Selborne, is one that appears not to have been noticed by subsequent writers. I have
searched the works of Temminck, Degland, Keysorling and Blasius, and, among our
own writers, Montagu, Fleming, Selby, Jenyns, Yarrell, Thompson, and Morris, with-
out meeting with any comment; but the late Professor Macgillivray, in his admirable
work on British birds, has the following remarks : — “ Such phenomena certainly pre-
sent themselves, yet it is not by any means improbable that they are merely indicative
of the hostility of rival males, for we often see larks fighting in the air, and so keenly
engaged, that they sometimes descend ‘ many fathoms’ before separating ; and I have
observed eagles struggling on wing, and emitting ‘a loud piercing shriek,’ although
no one could reasonably suppose them to be then copulating.” It is quite evident that
none of these writers have ever observed what White alludes to, or they would neither
have passed it over in silence, nor yet supposed it to be the rivalry of males. On the

3944 Birds.

25th of May, this year, I had an opportunity of noticing a manceuvre, the nature of
which I had no difficulty in deciding upon. Two swifts, at a great height, were chas-
ing each other and uttering loud screams, an evident attempt being frequently made
by one to settle on the back of the other. This was repeated a great many times with-
out effect, for the female contrived to flutter from under the other in a playful manner.
At length, however, she suddenly extended her wings, keeping them perfectly quiet
and motionless, and in a moment the male alighted softly upon her back, with his
wings distended perfectly flat, and so exactly fitting upon those of the female, that I
could not have known it was more than one bird, had I not been watvhing them before.

In this manner, they descended in an oblique direction for a great many yards, the
wings all the time quite motionless, and both gtiite silent. After separating, they pur-
sued their usual avocation of feeding in a most business-like and orderly manner, not
troubling themselves to toy or play, or to utter their well-known screams. I feel not
the least hesitation in deciding that White was perfectly right in his supposition re-
specting the copulation of the swift; but, at the same time, I feel quite confident that
it can be accomplished on the wing in perfectly calm weather only, as a very moderate
wind, in the instance recorded, would have rendered it difficult, if not impossible-—
Robert F. Tomes ; Welford, Stratford-on-Avon, June 4, 1853.

Note on the supposed occurrence of the Apteryx in Anglesey, and on the capture of
Galbula ruficauda in Lincolnshire-—In common, I doubt not, with the other ornitho-
logical readers of the ‘ Zoologist, I had hoped that Mr. Browne’s remarks (Zool. 3845)
on Mr. Spode’s communication (Id. 3815), relative to the supposed occurrence of an
Apteryx in Anglesey, would have led the latter gentleman to have favoured the public
with some further particulars of a circumstance which, if the account given be a cor-
rect one, would certainly be an occurrence of almbst unprecedented ornithological in-
terest. I would respectfully suggest that the claims of science, and of that accuracy
which is the only true basis of science, imperatively demand that the following parti-
culars should if possible be ascertained and published; namely : —

1. The exact species of the bird in question.

. The name and address of the person who shot it.

. The name of the parish where it was killed.

. The exact date when it was killed.

. The name and address of the person who stuffed it.

. Whether any note was taken of the sex of the specimen, or of the contents of
the stomach.

7. Whether anything was observed as to the habits or movements of the bird at

the time it was shot.
And T trust that Mr. Spode will kindly exert himself to procure, for our informa-
tion, such additional evidence as will enable him to supply these desiderata; by do-
ing which he will establish a claim to the sincere thanks of his fellow ornithologists.
I take this opportunity of adding a few short remarks on Mr. Tristram’s very curious
notice of the occurrence of a specimen of Galbula ruficauda in Lincolnshire, (Zool.
3906). I certainly consider this notice as ‘one of very great ornithoiogical interest,
and only regret that Mr. Tristram should have been induced, by any consideration, to
delay its publication. Will that gentleman allow me to suggest, as a fellow-contri-
butor to the ‘ Zoologist,’ that he has set us rather a bad example in this respect >—as
it is obvious that the more promptly such occurrences are published, the greater will
be the facilities for making such further inquiries as may be necessary to elucidate

Dot CF YD

Birds. 3945

the circumstances under which rare stragglers may reach our coasts, and the less risk
there will be of the minor collateral incidents (which are always interesting and often
important) being omitted or mis-stated. I agree with Mr. Tristram, that such ex-
tremely accidental visitors as the bird in question, or as the two others to which he
refers, can scarcely be called “ British birds,’ even in the widest sense of the term;
but, at the same time, their occurrence at so great a distance from their native coun-
tries, is always a very interesting event, as showing the extent to which some species
stray beyond the boundary of their natural and normal habitat: and this is especially
the case where the species, like the jacamar or the Australian spine-tailed swallow, is
either insectivorous, or so nearly so as to be incapable of being kept in confinement, or
of being brought over in that state by any vessel. — J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk,
June 3, 1853.

Occurrence of the Kite at Horndean, Hants.—A pair of these now rare birds were
observed, a few Sundays ago, hovering about over the woods near here; they eventu-
ally went off in a northerly direction. — William Henry Hawker; Horndean, Hants,
June 11, 1853.

Capture of the Blue-throated Warbler (Sylvia Suecica) in Kent.— A fine old male
bird was taken in a nightingale-trap on the 16th of May, 1845, in the county of Kent.
I had it alive for several months; and both Mr. Hewitson, and Mr. John Hancock of
Newcastle-upon Tyne, saw it while alive. The latter gentleman now has it in his col-
lection.— James Green, Naturalist ; 1, East Road, City Road, June, 1853.

Nest and Eggs of Savi’s Warbler.—I have now by me the nest and five eggs of
Savi’s warbler, which I tovk at Erith, in Kent, on the 28th of May, 1853.—Jd.

Occurrence of the Rose-coloured Pastor at the Land’s End. — I observed a female
specimen of this bird just now in the hands of Mr. Vingoe, who reveived it from the
immediate vicinity of the Land’s End, yesterday. I examined the ovary in the body,
and found a mass of undeveloped eggs, which, I should think, would not have come
to maturity for a month at least. Whether the bird had hatched an early brood I can-
not say; but it appears, by the result uf the anatomical inspection, that the bird at
least continues to breed until the summer is far advanced. I observe that nothing is
said by Hewitson, Selby, Montagu, or Jenyns, as to its nidification, eggs, &c. In
Mr. Hewitson’s work there is no figure of the egg; and so little being known as to
this department of the bird’s history, I have ventured to state what I have observed,
thinking it probable that it might have bred in this country —Hdward Hearle Rodd ;
Penzance, June 11, 1853.

Note on a Partridge’s Nestin a Stubble-rick. — 1 am just returned from witness-
ing a partridge’s nest in a curious place, viz., in a stubble-rick, or, as it is here called,
a “stubb-stack.” It is about six feet from the ground, and so well concealed in the
stubble, that it cannot be seen by any one unless on horseback ; and was accidentally
discovered by the owner of the farm, Mr. Hillier, of Winterbourne Monckton, as he
rode past. On the occasion of my visiting it, the old bird was on her nest, but was off
again immediately I went near her. The nest contains fifteen eggs. What renders
it the more extraordinary that the bird should have fixed on such an exalted position
is, that she is surrounded on all sides by hundreds of acres of corn of every description,
of clover and turnips, the rick fixed upon being situated in the middle of the open
downs, so that there was no lack of choice of such positions as partridges are wont to
select for their nurseries. It is clear that no motives of protection from inclement
weather and rude winds (which not unfrequently prevail in these downs) can have

SI; 2G

3946 Birds.

actuated the partridge in this strange choice; as the nest is placed on the N.E. side of
the stack, and on the shelving side near the top. I believe Col. Hawker gives an in-

stance of a partridge’s nest in a pollard tree; and Mr. Yarrell, in his ‘ British Birds,

quotes another instance from Daniel’s ‘ Rural Sports,’ of a partridge’s nest on the top

of an oak pollard: but with these exceptions I have never heard of the partridge vary-
ing so much from the usual habits of its species in its choice of a place for nidification.

—Alfred Charles Smith ; Yatesbury Rectory, Calne, June 11, 1853.

Young Ducks nursed by a Cat.— The following remarkable circumstance has just
been detailed to me by an eye-witness. A duck, having hatched out a brood of young
ones, was, with all her progeny, placed by her careful owner in a basket lined with
flannel, by the kitchen fire. Now it chanced that a cat was in the habit of sleeping
away much of her days, as cats are wont to do, by the same fire; the new arrival
seemed tv interest her mightily, and so great an attachment did she conceive for them,
that nothing would suffice but the ejection of their natural parent, and the substitution
of herself as their mother. To this end she was seen to go quietly to the basket, and
after gently expelling the old duck, a work of little labour, to place herself with great
care and gentleness on the young ones, warming them with her body, quietly replacing
them with her paw when they attempted to clamber up the sides of the basket, and
otherwise playing the part of a kind foster mother. This continued during a period
of three weeks at least, during which time my informant occasionally saw them ; but
I regret that he could not give me the sequel of their history, whether the cat conti-
nued faithfully to discharge her self-imposed office, and whether the young ducks
throve under her care; or whether, as some malicious persons might suggest, like lit-
tle Red Riding-hood, and the supernumerary victims of the man-eating ogres in the
fairy tales, and the companions of Ulysses in the cave of Polyphemus, they were but
nursed for slaughter when they became more worthy of the appetite of their friend. —Zd.

Note on the occurrence of the Knot Sandpiper (Tringa cinerea) on the Norfolk
Coast, in the Summer Plumage.—Specimens of the knot, in its nuptial dress, frequently
occur on the Norfolk coast in spring, during the northward migration of this species;
but during the past month they were, for a few days, unusually numerous, particularly
about the 13th of May, on which day a single gunner at Yarmouth procured seventy-
three knots, all in full, or nearly full, summer dress, besides several others which were
obtained by other individuals.—J. H. Gurney, Easton, Norfolk, June 1, 1853.

Occurrence of the Caspian Tern (Sterna Caspia) in Lincolnshire.—A very fine spe-
cimen of the Caspian tern, in summer plumage, was shot on the 17th of May, at Cay-
thorpe, Lincolnshire, many miles from the sea. It was in good condition, and threw
up three or four fish upon being shot. It was brought to Newark to be stuffed, when
I had the pleasure of seeing it in the flesh. — W. F. Foottit ; Newark, Notts, June 4,
1853. .

Occurrence of the Sandwich Tern (Sterna Boysii) $c. near Oxford. — Three fine
adult specimens of the Sandwich tern (Sterna Boysti) were shot on the Isis near Ox-
ford, on the 23rd of April last. This is the first occurrence of this bird so far inland
with which I am acquainted. About the same time, two specimens of the lesser tern
(S. minuta) and a razor-bill (Alca Torda) were killed near Oxford. — 7. L. Powys ;
10, Grosvenor Place, June 13, 1853.

Birds. 3947

Occurrence of a Petrel new to Britain on the West Coast of Ireland.
By WILLIAM YARRELL, Esq., F.L.S., &c.
*
Ryder Street, St. James’s,
June 14, 1853.
DEar Sip,
In answer to your request on the subject of the petrel
exhibited at the meeting of the Linnean Society on the 7th of June, I
send you the following particulars.

This interesting bird, new, as I believe, to the British Islands, was
brought to me by B. Blackburn, Esq., of Valentia Harbour, in the
county of Kerry; who afterwards sent me the following note of its
occurrence. |

“The petrel which I left with you this morning, flew on board a
small sloop off the Island of Valentia, on the South-west coast of
Ireland, late in the evening of the 11th of May last. Mrs. Blackburn
had never observed it before on our coast, and we concluded it to be
the Puffinus obscurus of Temminck and Gould.”

“Tt made no attempt either to run or fly away, and suffered itself to
be handled without exhibiting alarm; and though apparently strong
and vigorous, manifested quite an Oriental resignation to its fate.”

The Puffinus obscurus, or dusky petrel, is included by the late
William Macgillivray in his ‘ Manual of British Ornithology, (part 2,
Water Birds, p. 263); with the following remark : — “ This species
belongs to the Southern and Tropical regions of the globe, although
individuals have sometimes been found far North.” Reference is also
made to his ‘ History of British Birds, vol. v., but no page is given.
The fifth volume of this latter work was not published until ten years
after the publication of the Manual, and does not contain any notice
of this bird.

The Dusky Petrel of Latham (Syn.) and Pennant (Arct. Zool.) is
not the Puffinus obscurus of more modern authors, since they give it
a length of 13 inches; and is probably the Manks Petrel (Puffinus
Anglorum) of Ray: but Latham, in his Synopsis (vol. vi. p. 417), re-
fers to a petrel without a name, measuring less by 2 inches in length,
in the Leverian Museum, said to have come from King George’s
Sound; and mentions also that it inhabits Christmas Island. The
Puffinus obscurus measures 11 inches in its whole length, and 6% from
the bend of the wing to the end of the longest quill-feather. Six spe-
clinens examined gave the same results.

3948 Birds.

Professor Savi includes this species in his ‘ Ornitologia Toscana’
(vol. 1. p. 40), from an example obtained in Piedmont; and it has a
place also in the ‘ Faune Frarrgaise’ (p. 405), from specimens killed
in Brittany and Picardy. e@

It is therefore included in the ‘ Birds of Europe’ by M. Temminck,
Mr. Gould, M. Degland, and Prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte : —
the author of the first work observing that “it is rare in the Mediter-
ranean, but common on the coast of Africa to the Cape of Good
Hope.” And it may be mentioned in proof of the first part of this
statement, that the name of this bird does not appear in the catalogues
of the birds of Sicily, Malta, Tunis, Algeria or Tangiers.

Messrs. Webb and Berthelot include the Puffinus obscurus in their
work on the Natural History of the Canary Islands; and Edward
Vernon Harcourt, Esq., to whom I am indebted for a specimen of the
bird and its egg, has particularly referred to this species in his pub-
lished ‘Sketch of Madeira, (pp. 122 and 165). Eight or nine species
of the birds of this family breed on, or frequent, the Dezertas, a group
of small islands about eighteen miles from Madeira. ‘ The Dusky
Petrel is a very tame bird, and will live upon almost anything; it runs
along the ground on its belly, and uses its curious-shaped bill in
climbing up the rocks. Those | had in my possession alive, were
some of them caught with fish-hooks baited with meat, by the Portu-
guese, and some taken by the hand in the day-time from underneath
stones, where they hide from the light.” The egg, and they lay but
one, measures one inch and seven-eighths in length, by one inch and
three-eighths in breadth, rather smaller at one end than at the other,
and pure white.

Audubon, in his ‘ Birds of America’ (vol. vii. p. 216), and in his
‘Ornithological Biography’ (vol. iii. p. 620), gives an interesting ac-
count Of the habits of this petrel on the water. He found it abundant
in the month of June, in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast east-
ward to Georgia, some of them wandering from Cape Florida as far
North as Sandy Hook and Long Island. Audubon’s friend, Thomas
Nuttall, in his ‘ Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and
of Canada, among other localities already quoted, mentions the North-
west coast of America.

Captain Cook met with this species at Christmas Island, only 2
degrees North of the Equator, and about 158° W. longitude. This
island was so named by Cook, who landed there on Christmas-day, in
1777.

Birds. 3949

- Having carefully examined specimens of this bird from Australia,
others from Madeira, and these with the recently acquired example
from Valentia Harbour, I am induced to consider them but as one
species; and that the Puffinus obscurus of Mr. Gould’s ‘ Birds of
Europe,’ and the Puffinus assimilis of his ‘ Birds of Australia, are, ac-
cordingly, identical. Several examples of equally extensive geogra-
phical range will hereafter be quoted. Of the Puffinus assimilis Mr.
Gould observes : — “ All the specimens of this species that I have
seen were procured on Norfolk Island, where it is said to breed ; con-
sequently the seas washing the eastern shores of Australia may be
considered its native habitat: it is evidently the representative of the
Puffinus obscurus of Europe, which it so much resembles, and to
which it is so nearly allied, that assimilis appeared to me to be the
most appropriate specific appellation I could apply toit. On my home-
ward voyage | saw numerous examples flying off the North-eastern
end of New Zealand, and this, | regret to say, is all the information I
have to communicate respecting it.” - Two specimens of this bird are
in the collection at the British Museum, presented by Sir Thomas
Mitchell from Eastern Australia, and the occurrence of this species
at King George’s Sound, on the South-west coast, has been already
noticed.

Birds of great and enduring powers of flight; able, moreover, to
take their rest, and obtain their food on the surface of the sea, may
reasonably be expected to have a wide geographical range ; and of
these powers the birds belonging to the families of the petrels and the
terns are remarkable examples.

Procellaria mollis of Mr. Gould’s ‘ Birds of Australia.’ “ Abundant
in the Atlantic and Pacific, but more numerous in the former than the
latter.” A skin of this petrel, obtained at Madeira, was compared
with one of Mr. Gould’s birds, and found to be exactly similar.

Procellaria Pacifica of Audubon, who received . it from the North-
west coast of America. This species I have seen from Madeira.

Procellaria hesitata. This petrel is so rare, that only four or five
examples are known. One from the Indian seas ; one from the seas
of Australia; one from Hayti; and one taken in Norfolk, (Zool. 3691).

Thalassidroma Wilsont. 'Taken in four counties of England; seen
in the Bay of Biscay, near the Azores and Madeira, Australia and the
Southern Atlantic, and northward from thence towards Charlestown.

Sterna stolida. Has been obtained in Dublin Bay, in France, and
at St. Helena. Very common over great part of the southern hemi-

sphere.

3950 Fishes.

Sterna fuliginosa. Abundant at Houtman’s Abrolhos, on the west-
ern coast of Australia; equally so at the Tortugas, South America,
and has been killed in England, (Zool. 3755).

These and other instances might be cited of the same species being
found many degrees on both sides of the Equator.

I am, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
Wm. YARRELL.

To Edward Newman, Esq.

Catalogue of the Fishes of Orkney and Zetland.
By Wix1aM Batrour Balkig, M.D.

(Continued from page 3847).
Order VI.—ACaNTHOPTERI.

Lophide.
Fishing Frog, Lophius piscatorius. Tolerably frequent.

Blenniide.
Yarrell’s Blenny, Blennius Yarrellit. Frequent at times, espe-

cially in Kirkwall Bay, where it was first detected by Dr. Duguid.
Spotted Gunnell, Gunnellus vulgaris. Very abundant.

Gobiide.
Black Goby, Gobius niger. Rare.
Double-spotted Goby, Gobius Ruthensparri. Not unfrequent.

Freckled Goby, Gobius minutus. Not common.
One-spotted Goby, Gobius unipunctatus. Rare.

| Callionymide.
Gemmeous Dragonet, Callionymus Lyra. Rare.
Sordid Dragonet, Callionymus dracunculus. Rare.
Cyclopteride.

Cornish Sucker, Lepidogaster Cornubiensis. A specimen obtained
in Scalpa Flow in the winter of 1850, by Mr. J. Syme.

Bimaculated Sucker, Lepidogaster bimaculatus. Not rare.

Lump Sucker, Cyclopterus Lumpus. Not unfrequent.

Fishes. 3951

Unctuous Sucker, Lzparis vulgaris. Common.
Montagu’s Sucker, Liparis Montagui. A specimen, upwards of 3
inches in length, was obtained by Mr. J. Syme in 1850-51.
Anarrhichadide.
Viviparous Blenny, Zoarces viviparus. Very common.
Wolf Fish, Anarrhichas Lupus. Not unfrequent.
Gymnetride.

Deal Fish, Trachypterus Bogmarus. First added to the British
Fauna by Dr. Duguid, from a mutilated fish cast ashore in Sandey.
Upwards of twenty specimens are known to have occurred at different
times: one recently caught. was lately exhibited at the Zoological
Society by Mr. Yarrell.

Zeide.

Opah or King Fish, ZLampris guttatus. Upwards of a dozen spe-
cimens have been procured at different times. One, nearly 6 feet in
length, was captured in Sandey by the late William Strang, Esq.

Centronotide.

Horse Mackerel, Caranx trachurus. 'Tolerably common.

Scomberide.

Mackerel, Scomber Scomber. Abundant during the herring-season.

Gasterosteide.

Rough-tailed Stickleback, Gasterosteus trachurus. Common.

Smooth-tailed Stickleback, Lezwrus aculeatus. Rare: first detected
in a small pool in Orphir by Mr. R. Heddle.

Ten-spined Stickleback, Letwrus pungitius. Said to have occur-
red in Zetland. | |

Fifteen-spined Stickleback, Spinachia vulgaris. Common.

Mugilide.
Thick-lipped Gray Mullet, Mugil Chelo. Tolerably frequent from
June to September.
Sparide.

Common Sea Bream, Pagellus centronotus. One specimen obtained
by Dr. Duguid in Scalpa, near Kirkwall.

3952 Insects.

Scienide.
Maigre, Sciena Aquila. One captured in Zetland in 1819, and
another in Orkney by Dr. Duguid, in 1852.
Trighde. .
Gray Gurnard, Trigla Gurnardus. Not unfrequent.
Red Gurnard, Trigla Cuculus. Two caught in Orkney in the win-
ter of 1850-51.
Scorpenide.

Norway Haddock, Sebastes Norvegicus. Occurs in Zetland.

Trachinide.

Lesser Weever, Trachinus Vipera. Two specimens have lately
been obtained in Orkney, one in Kirkwall Bay.

Cottide.

Short-spined Cottus, Cottus Scorpius. Very common. 7
Long-spined Cottus, Cottus bubalis. Common, but not so much
so as the last species.
Pogge, Aspidophorus Europeus. Not common.
Wm. Batrour Batkie.
Haslar Hospital, May 18, 1853.

(To be continued).

An Introduction to the Study of the Nepticule.
| By H. T. Srarnton, Esq.

1. Waar is a Nepticula? In the good old times when Nepticule
were Microsetiz, and Lithocolletides were Argyromiges, a very simi-
lar question was put by an incipient entomologist to the most indefa-
tigable collector (in those days) of these pygmy tribes. “ But, my
dear Sir, how am I to know a Microsetia? Whatisitlike?” “It
is something like an Argyromiges, but more robust.” And however
much one may be inclined to smile at the idea of a Nepticula being a
robust insect, this description does at once convey an idea of the short
thick-set figure of these insects. They do not approximate closely to
any of the other genera of Micro-Lepidoptera.

Insects. 3953

In repose, the wings are nearly flat, being but slightly elevated
where they meet over the back. The anterior wings are short in com-
parison with their breadth. The antenne are not nearly half so long
as the anterior wings. The more delicate characters not easily visi-
ble to the naked eye, are the rough head and face, and the enlarged
basal joint (eye-cap) of the antenne. To conclude, the answer to the
question, “What is a Nepticula?” would be as follows:—A Nepticula
is a very small moth, which in repose keeps its wings flat (its ante-
rior wings being short in proportion to their breadth), which has
remarkably short antenne, and runs with extraordinary agility.

2. What are the habitats of Nepticule? These small insects have
attacked a great variety of plants, and from the lordly oak of the fo-
rest to the lowly Hypericum on some sandy bank, there are probably
few plants of which they are not consumers. But at present, in
speaking of their habitats, I wish to confine myself to the localities
frequented by them as perfect insects. In the first place, they fre-
quently swarm on palings, and here they are caught with comparative
ease. In the second place, they are at times numerous on the trunks
of trees; but here, to see is not to catch. You examine the rugged
trunk of an oak, and see none: look again,—look in that crevice,—do
you not see a black speck between two white ones ?——that black speck
is the head of N. atricapitella, the two white specks are the eye-caps at
the base of his antennz. Now, to catch him, you must dislodge him
from that convenient nook; poke him gently with a blade of grass.
Ah! he has jumped away. This is often the case in attempting to
catch Nepticule on the trunks of trees. In the third place, many spe-
cies may often be beaten out of the plants on which they feed. Thus,
N. subbimaculella from the oak, and Mr. Sircom used to obtain N.
intimella from the sallows by sweeping the ends of the branches. In
the fourth place, they may sometimes be found flying freely, of their
own accord: it was thus that I found N. pygmeella had a penchant
for early rising, and was generally on the wing from 5to6a.m. N.
gratiosella sometimes flies freely on a sunny afternoon. |

3. Where do the Larve of the Nepticule feed? They feed on the
parenchyma of leaves, not, however, distorting the shape of the leaf,
as the Lithocolletides do,—the leaf remains flat, only the mined place
becomes discoloured. The discoloration is, at first, hardly percepti-
ble, but becomes more evident in the process of time, until, at the
expiration of several months, it is sufficiently conspicuous to strike the

XI. 2H

3954 Insects.

most superficial observer. A young collector is often annoyed by the
circumstance of the uninhabited leaves being more conspicuous than
those in which the larve are feeding. He looks around him, and ob-
serves leaf after leaf in which the larve have been ; but though there
are many leaves before him in which the larve are feeding, he passes
them over, the discoloration being so slight.

The generality of the species mine the leaves in circuitous wavy
paths, of which examples may easily be seen on the leaves of the bram-
ble. Yet some mine in large blotches, as the species on the sloe, and
some in wavy tracks, so closely applied as to form a blotch, — no un-
mined portion of the leaf lying between the folds of the serpentine
path: an example of this kind may be met with on the elm. Others
mine in numerous concentric circles, as the species on the Hyperi-
cum, and that which Mr. Shield discovered last autumn, on the sorrel.

In searching for the larve of Nepticule, the young collector must
not be misled by the numerous mining larve of Dipterous insects, of
which an example may easily be found in the leaves of the buttercup,
sow-thistle, primrose, &c. The larve of Nepticule leave behind them
in their narrow mines, a continuous track of excrement; whereas, in
the Dipterous mines, the excrement is scattered here and there. In
the case of the blotch-miner of the sloe, the excrement is usually in a
heap at the lower end of the blotch ; and in the leaves of the Rham-
nus catharticus and Clematis Vitalba, which have been mined by the
larve of Nepticule, the excrement appears to have been nearly of a
fluid nature, and does not form the ordinary series of little black grains.

4. Where do the Larve of the Nepticule assume the Pupa state ?
In one solitary instance the larva does not quit the mined leaf, but
spins its cocoon therein, and changes to the pupa; this is the species
that mines the Hypericum. All the other species yet observed, when
full fed, emerge from the leaf, and, I believe, usually descend to the
ground, where in all probability they spin their cocoons among the
withered leaves. The gallery-miner of the rose is the only species of
which we have yet learned to collect the pupe ; these may frequently
be found in the hollow of the footstalk of the leaf, or upon the stem,
sheltered by some projecting thorn or branch. Instances do occur,
though very rarely, of gallery-miners of the rose changing to the pupa
inside the leaf; the cause of this departure from the usual habit of
the species is yet unexplained.

5. To obtain Specimens of Nepticule, should we collect them in

Insects. 3955

the Larva, Pupa, or Imago state? Certainly in the larva state.
However simple and easy it may appear to a beginner to collect the
perfect insects by scores off some favourite paling, yet, when he has
collected them, pinned them, and set them, what is he to do with
them? Put them in his collection. Very well; but as what? As
specimens of the genus Nepticula; for he must be a bold man who
would offer to assist him to the names of the species, thus taken at
large. Some few conspicuous species may indeed be identified with
tolerable ease; but there will probably always be a sufficient quantity
of nebulous matter to render the identification of all the specimens
caught im the perfect state almost an impossibility. Yet I do not
deny that some conspicuous new species may occasionally be found
in the perfect state, so that looking on palings may still be of some
use ; though to collect from them ordinary-looking species, might be
of no use.

As, except in two instances, we do not know where to find the pupe
of Nepticule, it is manifestly of no use attempting to collect them in
the pupa state; but even if we could find the pupez, and could ascer-
tain from what tree or plant they had come, unless that tree or plant
produced only one species, we should still be deficient of our chief
means of identifying the species. By collecting the Nepticule in the
larva state we can distinguish the species ; and frequently we can col-
lect them in a wholesale manner, of which we could have no chance
if collected in any other state. Thus, in less than a quarter of an
hour, one morning last October, I collected about 500 of the larve
of the small miner of the nut.

6. How are we to proceed to collect the Larve of Nepticule ?
These larve are so plentiful that, when once observed, the wonder is
that they should not sooner have attracted our attention; only the
matter is, they require to be looked for: you must not expect to find
them unless you stop, stand still, and examine attentively the plant or
bush that is before you. IT will mention a striking instance that hap-
pened to myself, which may be of use as illustrative of the necessity
of contmuing to look, and not despairing because a first glance is not
productive of any results. About the middle of last October I paid a
visit one morning to a bush of Rhamnus catharticus, on which I ex-
pected to find the autumnal brood of the larve of N. Catharticella.
To my surprise, on carefully examining the bush I could not find a
single larva: however, I was so satisfied that they must be there, that
I continued to look, and as my eyes gradually became more accus-

3956 Insects.

tomed to the indications of those objects for which I was searching,
I found that, so far from there being no larve before me, they were
really there in hundreds. This was a lesson which I resolved should
not be lost upon me, and I hope it will also be useful to others.

Having thus urged the necessity of continued search, I will take it
for granted that the collector has succeeded in finding the objects of
his pursuit, but he sees before him some full-grown, and some very
small, and probably wishes to know whether he should collect all.
Unless the small ones be indeed very small, he may safely collect
them, as these larve feed up in a very few days, and if he keeps his
leaves from drying, they will be able to feed up after he has collected
them. It is not necessary to gather the branches, to pick the leaves
is quite sufficient ; only bearing in mind to put them at once into the
collecting-tins, and to keep them where they will be rather moist af-
terwards. We will imagine the collector to have proceeded from bush
to bush, till he has collected a tin-full of leaves of various sorts, inha-
bited by a variety of larve of Nepticulea. He then returns home, and
the question might be asked, “ Are the larve to be left in the tin, as
collected?” By no means; for if so, will not all the species become
mixed? The most pressing thing to be done directly the collector
returns home, is to turn over the leaves he has collected, and to sort
them very carefully, putting each kind of leaf by itself; and where
two or more species of larve occur in the same sort of leaf, to subdi-
vide those leaves according to the different species of larve, and then
each separate batch should be carefully rolled up in some soft paper,
and put into a tin or glass jar.

[It is not advisable to leave the larve unsorted in the collecting-tins
a moment longer than can be avoided; otherwise some of the larve
will have become full-fed, and have crept out of some of the leaves,
and then how is the collector to know to which sort they belong?

At the expiration of a week after the larve have been collected, it
may be taken for granted that they will all have assumed the pupa
state, and the rolls of soft paper should be carefully opened, and the
cocoons of each roll, which will be found either attached to the paper,
or to the leaves, and generally in little clusters, should be then put
into little glass tubes, and labelled according to the plant from which
they came, and the mode in which they mined that plant.

7. At what time of the year should we look for the Larve of Nep-
ticule? Probably all the species are double-brooded, (N. aurella has
indeed many broods in the year, there being few months in which its

Insects. 3957

larve may not be met with); and the summer brood may be looked
for from the middle of June to the middle of July: but the great har-
vest is from the middle of September, until the trees and hedges are
bare. The collector has then comparatively no other game in view,
and the larve are in far greater abundance than in the summer ; be-
sides, by keeping the pupe in a warm room, he breeds a considerable
number during the winter months, when he would otherwise have no
insects to set: and this very circumstance of his continuing to set
these little moths uninterruptedly throughout the winter, will give him
that knack and dexterity in handling them, of which we are all so
much in need.

8. On what Plants is the Collector to look for the Larve of Neptti-
cule? On all. Probably there are few trees or bushes on which some
species does not feed; and though we can hardly expect all the low-
growing plants to be fed upon by species of this genus, it is only by
continually looking on these plants that we can hope now and then to
detect a new species of larva.

9. On what Plants have the Larve of Nepticule been found? The
following is a list of those plants at present known to serve as food to
the larve of Nepticule : —

* Apple. _ * Hornbeam, (2 species).
Beech. * Hypericum perforatum.
Birch. + Mountain ash.

* Bramble. * Nut, (2 species).

* Buckthorn, (Rhamnus ca- * Oak, (3 species).

tharlicus). * Rose, (2 species).

+ Cherry. * Sallow.

+ Clematis. * Sloe.

* Elm, (2 species). Sorrel.

* Geum urbanum. + Strawberry.

* Hawthorn, (3 species). t Teucrium Scorodonia.

The perfect insects have been bred from the plants marked thus, *.
On those plants marked + no larve of Nepticule have yet been found,
but the leaves that had been mined by them have been observed, and
I have specimens of the mined leaves, which I can show to those cu-
rious in such matters.

Should any collector fall in with any larve of Nepticule upon any
plant not mentioned in the above list, I should be most thankful for
the information. ‘The number of species is in all probability far from

3958 Insects.

exhausted ; and there are several conspicuous species which we have
not yet succeeded in breeding. For instance; N. argentipedella (if a
birch-feeder, must make a larger mine than those I have yet found),
angulifasciella, argyropeza (in all probability on some species of pop-
lar), intimella (from Mr. Sircom’s observations should be expected on
sallow), Louisella, quinquella (most probably an oak feeder), and tri-
maculella (which should occur on the Lombardy poplar).

Of those species that have been already bred, some may be at once
named specifically ; others appear to form parts in groups of closely
allied species, which, to discriminate accurately, require the careful
examination of a series of each individual composing the group: and
it is therefore hardly advisable rashly to give a name, while we are
uncertain what the distinguishing characters are.

Apple. The species bred from the apple forms one of the Ignobi-

Jella group.

Bramble. This is the well-known large species, N. aurella.

Buckthorn. To this species, closely allied to N. Septembrella, and
not hitherto described, I have given the name of Catharticella.

Elm. Two larve were distinguished, one yellow and the other green.
The imago of the green one is not closely allied to any previ-
ously known species ; from the gut-like appearance of its mine,
Mr. Douglas has proposed for it the name of N. viscerella. The
imago produced from the yellow larva is the N. centifoliella of
my Catalogue, but clearly not the continental centifoliella, which
is a rose feeder. From the tendency of the larva to mine at the
edge of the leaf, going even in and out all the serratures of the
leaf, I propose to call it marginicolella. _

Geum urbanum. Closely allied to N. aurella, if, indeed, it be truly
distinct.

Hawthorn. ‘Two larve only were distinguished, one green, the
other yellow ; it would however appear that there are two kinds
of the latter, as, from yellow larve I obtained N. pygmzella and
gratiosella. ‘The green larve produced a species allied to N.
ruficapitella. )

Hornbeam. 'Two species of larve mine in the leaves of this tree,
but they are not distinguishable by colour, only one is consider-
ably larger than the other. ‘The imago of the large larva is one
of the Floslactella group; that of the small larva belongs to the
Ignobilella group.

Hypericum perforatum. ‘This is the no longer unique, but still
scarce, N. Septembrella.

Insects. 3959

Nut. Two species, a large and a small larva; the perfect insects
are parallel to, if not identical with, the two species from the
hornbeam. |

Oak. Two species of larve were distinguished, a pale-coloured and
a dark-coloured one. It would, however, appear that there are
two species of the latter, as from them have been bred both N.
ruficapitella and atricapitella, which can no longer be considered
as sexes, since several pairs of the latter were taken tm copula
last summer. The pale larva produced N. subbimaculella.

Rose. From the mode of mining, and the colour of the cocoons,
there is little doubt that two species feed on the rose: — one,
which had always been confounded with ruficapitella (see Lewis,
in Ent. Mag. i. 422), but of which one sex has the tuft of the

--head black, was observed by De Geer, and Goeze has given to
his insect the name of anomalella; the other species, which I
have not yet bred, may probably be the continental centifoliella.

Sallow. Only one species of larva has been observed, the perfect
insect from which belongs to the Floslactella group.

Sloe. From the rather common blotch-miner of the sloe, I have
bred a species of the Ignobilella group. I have a single leaf
mined in a different way, but have not yet bred the moth from it.

10. If the Species are so numerous, and so very closely allied, how
are they to be distinguished? This, no doubt, is a difficulty, and if
we collected only the perfect insects, it would be one not easily an-
swered ; but by collecting and observing the larve, we ascertain be-
forehand the distinctness of a species, even if the imago should afford
us no character.

If you wish to separate Acronycta Psi from tridens, you must breed
them both; so it is with the Nepticule. |

The points to be borne in mind with a view of distinguishing the
species, are: —1. The food-plant. 2. The mine. 3. The larva. 4.
The cocoon. 5. The perfect insect.

1. The Food-plant. However much we may ultimately find it
necessary to qualify the assertion, it is no doubt advisable to
assume that no species feeds on two different kinds of plants.
The bramble, strawberry, and Geum are allied plants, and may
all be fed upon by N. aurella; but to assume that because they
are allied plants, the miners in them are without doubt aurella,
would be jumping to a conclusion, and probably retard the dis-
covery of species. The apparent identity of the two species

3960 Insects.

2.

3.

4.

dD.

mining the nut, with those mining the hornbeam, is a matter of
considerable interest, as the plants are not so closely allied as
others in which we find no apparent identity of the miners.
The Mine. 'The variety in the modes of mining is very consi-
derable: there is the long wavy gallery, as in N. anomalella ;
there is the long gallery so closely twisted as to form a blotch,
as in N. viscerella; there is the short gallery returning into it-
self and forming a blotch, as in N. subbimaculella; there is the
short rather broad gallery, as on the Teucrium; and there is the
complete blotch, as that on the sloe. Besides the still more
distinct mines of concentric circles on the sorrel, and of nume-
rous extremely fine mines round and round the same small space,
as done by N. Septembrella on the Hypericum.
The Larva. This may differ in colour, size, or marking ; fre-
quently when two species feed on the same plant, one is yellow
and the other green ; and this difference of colour is sufficiently
apparent through the cuticle of the leaf.
The Cocoon. This may differ in size, shape, substance, and co-
lour. The difference of size will generally be proportionate to
the difference of size of the larve, and in the case of the species
of the nut and hornbeam is considerable, one being about twice
the size of the other. The difference of shape will frequently
help to point out different species; some are oval, others shaped
like mussel-shells; the cocoon of N. aurella has the edge rather
flat and scalloped. In substance, cocoons differ in being more
or less tightly woven, some having a flossy texture. In colour,
the differences are very considerable ; the species from the ap-
ple-leaves makes a bright yellow cocoon; one of the hawthorn-
miners makes a beautiful pink cocoon. Continued observation
might thus enable a collector to distinguish seats ages by
the cocoon alone.
The perfect Insect. It is not necessary here to enter into
the different characters by which these may be distinguished ;
and really, the quantity of paper I have filled reminds me, that
unless I wish to be considered a bore by your readers, I must
conclude this somewhat lengthy, but, I hope, not tedious
“Introduction to the Study of the Nepticule.”

H. T. Srainton.

Mountsfield, Lewisham, April 30, 1853.

Entomological Society. 3961

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

June 6, 1853.—Epwarp Newman, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — The ‘ Zoologist ’ for June; by the Editor. The ‘Atheneum’ for May; by
the Editor. The ‘Literary Gazette’ for May; by the Editor. The ‘ Proceedings
of the Zoological Society, No. 201—226, and the ‘ Transactions of the Zoological So-
ciety, Vol. vi. part 3; by the Society. The ‘ Proceedings of the Royal Society,’ Vol.
vi. No. 95; by the Society. ‘ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie, 1853, No.3; by M.
Guérin Méneville. ‘ Entomologische Zeitung’ for February and March; by the En-
tomological Society of Stettin.

Mr. Waring exhibited a fine pair of Notodonta trepida, bred by Mr. B. Standish —
from larve found on oaks.

Mr. Bond exhibited some beautiful specimens of Anticlea Berberata, bred from
larve found on the berberry, in Cambridgeshire, last year.

Mr. Wilkinson exhibited Lithocolletis Stettinensis, Nicelli, a new species bred
from caterpillars found in the leaves of alders last year.

Mr. Stevens exhibited a fine pair of Notodonta Carmelita, and part of another spe-
cimen found in a mutilated condition, all taken at Black Park, Bucks, on May 8th.

Mr. Douglas exhibited Catoptria Albersana, and a drawing of the larva from which
it was bred. The latter he found at Wickham, in September last, in a leaf of honey-
suckle, which it had converted into a dwelling by making a fold along its entire length.

Mr. Boyd brought for distribution specimens of Tephrosia consonaria, recently
captured in Buckinghamshire.

Mr. Westwood mentioned some curious circumstances that had lately occurred
amongst his bees. About ten days since a hive threw off a swarm, which settled at the
entrance of the next hive, the inhabitants of which resisted the intruders, and much
fighting occurred. Mr. Westwood interfered, and removed the queen; having re-
leased her, she immediately led the swarm to the entrance of another hive, where the
same scene of confusion again occurred: a second time he took her away, and placed
her upon a rose-bush, whence she took flight, and, he supposed, returned to the hive
from which she originally came, for the swarm soon returned to its parent abode, and
from this hive today a fine swarm came forth.

Yesterday another hive sent out a swarm, which joined a swarm from a neigh-
bouring hive settled about forty yards distant, and both of them remained in one hive.
There was much fighting, and as many bees were killed as would fill a pint measure ;
but today they seemed to be amicably settled, whence he presumed that one of the
queens had been put to death. The junction of these swarms seemed to imply the in-
fluence of some attraction upon one of them by the other, or a communication between
them.

Mr. Waring knew an instance in which four swarms joined and remained together,
‘the hive having to be greatly enlarged to hold them. In the Exhibition of 1851, was
a case containing six swarms, but these had been artificially brought together.

Mr. Wallace read a paper “ On the Insects used as Food by the Indians of the
Amazon,” enumerating species of five Orders which are sought for and eaten with
avidity.

XI. 7 OT |

3962 Dublin Natural History Society.

Mr. Douglas read a continuation of his “ Contributions to the Natural History of
British Micro-Lepidoptera,”’ consisting of illustrations of the transformations of the
genera Bedellia and Elachista.

The President announced the publication of Part 5 of the current volume of the
Society’s ‘ Transactions,’ and that the Prize Essay on the duration of life in the Ho-
ney Bee was reprinted for separate sale-—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the Dublin Natural History Society.

Friday, May 13, 1853.—Rosert CaLiweEt1, Esq., M.R.1.A., in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — Two specimens of the rock pipit (Anthus petrosus), a bird which breeds in
great numbers in Rockabill, off the Skerries, in the month of June: also, a specimen
of the snow-bunting (Plectrophanes nivalis), shot in the county of Kerry: presented
by Mr. Andrews. A ‘Treatise on the Climate of Nottingham, by Edward Joseph
Lowe, Esq. ; presented by the Author.

Mr. J. R. Kinahan read the continuation of his paper ‘On the Autumnal Songs
of Birds,” cemmenced at the April meeting. We here give the first part in full.

“* When I commenced this paper, it was my intention to have confined myself to a
record of those birds which sing during the latter months of the year about Donnybrook,
but on reviewing my notes on this subject, I find it impossible to separate them from
their congeners, for, in fact, most of our songsters sing nearly the whole year round.
The remarks I am about to submit to the meeting, are an abstract of nearly daily re-
cords, extending over a period of at least five, and, in some instances, seven years, and
in every case were made by myself, and their value, if they have any, depends solély
on this. With but few exceptions, which I have noted, they relate entirely to the
birds of Donnybrook, and therefore, to a general naturalist, are only useful as com-
pared with similar records made in other quarters, as, during the time I was making
them, I have found a few miles sufficient entirely to alter my list.

“ Our earliest songsters are the robin, the wren, pied wagtail (Motacilla Yarrellit),
gray wagtail (M. Boarula), and hedge-fauvette (Accentor modularis). These com-
mence their autumn song pretty much in the order here set down. The robin begins
in the second week in August or the first week in September. Twice during the last
five years do I find him noted before the former date, viz., on the Ist of August, 1851,
and, in 1852, when he commenced on the 7th of August. He is, without exception,
our most indefatigable songster. Every weather is alike to him,—sun, fog, frost, snow,
wind, or rain. He sings all the year round, except for about six weeks in summer, 7. ¢.,
from about the last week in June till the second week in August. He generally sings
every day, morning and evening, till about the middle of December, after which time
he does not sing, except in the morning, until about the middle of January, when he
recommences singing in the evening, and also changes his autumnal song for that of
the breeding-seasun. Sometimes the song is not so regular as is here stated. In 1849
he commenced in September, and sang regularly till the middle of November: last
autumn he recommenced on the 7th of August, and continued in song almost daily up
to the present date: in 1851 he commenced on the 29th of August, but sang most irre-
gularly, as I find him noted only four times between that date and the Ist of January,

Dublin Natural History Society. 3963

1822. This did not arise from the harshness of the season, for the winter of 1850 was
a great deal more severe than either of the other two, and yet we find him singing more
regularly than in the comparatively milder winter of 1851. White, in his compara-
tive list of the song-birds of Selborne, states that he ‘sings all the year round, except
during frost.’ Frosty weather does not affect his song in this country, as I have heard
him singing even during snow. The song is delivered from an elevation, and also
when flying. This bird possesses also a singular faculty of singing with the bill closed,
even with a worm between his mandibles—a faculty I have observed only in one other
native bird, viz., the lesser willow-wren. He is also one of our nocturnal warblers, ge-
nerally preferring a frosty moonlight night for this purpose. In the winter of 1847 we
had several such nights in close succession ; anda robin used to sing under my window
every night, beginning generally about twelve and ceasing at two. TI have heard him
once or twice in the beginning of July.

“ The wren, though commencing later than the robin, is more regular as regards
the period of commencement of his song ; once only, during the last five years, did he
commence earlier than the beginning of November. He sings most vigorously dur-
ing frosty weather, but is not at all so regular a daily singer as the robin, as he seldom
sings in open weather. In Scotland, Mr. Hepburn records that he does not sing in
winter ; and White says ‘all through the winter, except in frost: ’—singularly enough,
the very time I have oftenest heard his song about Donnybrook. He sings generally,
if not always, from an elevation, using a great deal of action and with quivering wings.
His song ceases about the middle of June, but is sometimes continued into July; the
earliest date I ever heard him was August 18, 1851.

“ The wagtails occasionally sing all through the winter, on fine days, but are not
such regular songsters as any of the others. For the most part they sing on the wing,
rising for a short distance into the air, and in summer and spring, even on a bush or
wall. Early in the season, they sing oftener on the ground than anywhere else. ‘Their
song is continued late into summer, as they may be heard occasionally even as late as
the 20th of August. The earliest date I have heard them singing was the second
week in November.

“The winter fauvette, or dunnock, is a more delicate bird than any of those yet
mentioned, and therefore not so regular in his song till spring. He delights in a soft,
drizzling morning, but may be heard also during frost ; I only once heard him singing
during high wind. He generally commences about the third or fourth week in No-
vember, and sings till about the second week in July; in some seasons he does not
commence till the middle of January, this was the case in 1851. Early in the season
he chooses a low bush for his station while singing ; but as the season advances, he
mounts higher and higher, even to the tops of high trees; in the height of the breeding
season he even sings on the wing. He is recorded as one of our night-singers, but I
have never heard him myself at that period. Mr. Hepburn states that in Scotland he
sings ‘from the second week in February till the first in August, and occasionally in
winter and autumn.’ White’s record is, ‘ early in February till July 10.’

*“‘ The next in order, if we look to regularity of period in commencing their song,
are the thrushes ; but it will be more convenient to consider first some of the other
songsters which, though more irregular, generally begin earlier. These are, the chaf-
finch, the tits, skylark and gold-crest. The first (Fringilla celebs), sings occasionally
on soft mornings, as, during the seven years over which these notes extend, I find him
recorded in every winter month except November, though the regular time for his song

3964 Dublin Natural History. Society.

is about the 14th of February. Singularly enough, in three several years, although
previously to this day he had only sung occasionally, and a single bird here and there,
on the 14th of February the groves, as though by common consent, were filled with his
sprightly song. He often sings till late into July, though, generally speaking, the
third week in June ends his season. The earliest date I ever heard him was on the
20th of October. He sings from a bough, generally at middle height from the ground.
In Scotland, he is recorded as beginning the fourth week in January and ceasing on
the 2nd of July, and as singing occasionally through the autumn and winter. White
records him as ‘ beginning in February and ceasing in Jiine.’

“ The tits found about Donnybrook are Parus major, P. ceruleus, P. ater, P. lon-
gicaudatus, and P. palustris. Of these, the two last may be excluded from my list of
singing birds of that locality, as the first of them is merély-an occasional winter visit-
ant, and the second a very rare one, having occurred there only twice to my knowledge,
once in the latter end of autumn, and once in the summer. Of the other three, the
great tit (Parus major) begins earliest ; once I find him recorded in August and twice
in September: he does not generally begin till the middle of January. He is the
most indefatigable songster of his race; in the beginning of February and through the
month of March, generally commencing his harsh song some hours before daybreak,
and then keeping it up for three or four hours. He ceases in the middle of June, sings
at an elevation, and while in pursuit of food. The nun (P. c@ruleus) generally com-
mences towards the latter end of January, and continues in song until towards the end
of July. Thecole tit (P. ater) commences about the same time, but ceases a little
earlier. The songs of all the tits.are much alike, both in note, and in delivery, dura-
tion, &c. They all sing at an elevation, and, if the season be open, do not mind a lit-
tle frost. The long-tailed tit (P. longicaudatus), though not a resident in Donnybrook,
is plentiful enough about Miltown and Rathfarnham. It has more pretensions to song
than any of its congeners. It commences singing about the beginning of February,
and ceases inJune. The song is delivered on a bush, and may be heard even in frost.

“The lark, as a winter songster, is very irregular, and generally harsh and unmu-
sical until the spring suns have warmed it ; some years, however, it sings in autumn
as merrily as in summer or spring. Last autumn it was singing as sweetly as ever,
even as late as October and November. It seldom, however, commences its song till
about the beginning or middle of February; and generally sings earlier in the morn-
ing than any other bird, and later in the evening. Weather exercises little influence
on its song when once it has commenced, singing as merrily in the midst of the pelt-
ing shower or driving sleet as in the bright sunshine ; snow or high winds alone affect
it. It sings late into July, but remains silent during August. Its method of singing
I need not describe, as it must be familiar to all ; sometimes, especially in the breed-
ing-season, it sings on the ground. I have shot the females in the act of singing.

“ That little fairy-like bird, the gold-crest (Regulus cristatus), comes next in order,
but is only an occasional winter songster. His legitimate time for song is early spring,
commencing in January and ending in the beginning of June: on frosty days, how-
ever, he may be heard singing even as early as the 18th of November. The song is
always delivered from an elevation, is short, and to some might even appear harsh,
much resembling that of the tit-mouse.

“ The most regular autumn songsters we have, excepting the robin and the wren,
are those of which we now come to speak, — those peerless songsters, the thrushes, or
at least the two great types of the genus here, the common: thrush and the blackbird.

Dublin Natural History Society. 3965

The former of these I find commences either early in November or December ; the
earliest note I find is the 12th of. November, 1830. Its song is of course familiar to
all ; early in the season it sings either in a low bush, or else on the ground, and only
in the morning; as the season advances, it sings in the evening and chooses a higher
station, till, in the height of the season, it sings from the highest trees : earlier, how-
ever, it prefers close brush-wood, and hence may be heard singing most regularly in
such places as abound in thickets. The low bushes on the Donnybrook rozd, near
Wellington road, are a favourite station for them, as are also the lowlands about Tal-
lazht and Crumlin. Later in the season their song may be heard in great perfection
at Lough Bray, and in the valley of the Dodder, part of which, Glen-as-Moil, gets its
name from the numbers of these birds found init. They cease singing about the third
week in June. The weather that seems most congenial to them is soft, open morn-
ings, although they may be heard singing sweetly during frost. They are our most
beautiful night-singers, and I have often heard them. One instance I will transfer
from my note-book : — ‘ March 5, 1852, moon very bright, though the night was misty
and soft, the thrushes (Turdus musicus) were singing as sweetly as though it were
morning.’

“‘ The next member of the group, the blackbird, generally begins his song in No-
vember, though sometimes he may be heard even as early as September; he is never
so regular a songster as the thrush, but ceases about the same time. Though a very
common bird, the peculiar charms of his song are known but to few, for though of far
less compass and fewer notes than that of the thrush, it far surpasses it in plaintive
mellowness. Indeed, we have no word in the English language which can convey a
notion of it; that usually adopted, namely, ‘ whistling,’ giving about as much idea of
. it as it does of the sound of the trumpet. The thrush’s note may surpass it in power,
but there is a melody in the blackbird’s song much more pleasing than all the polished
execution of its rival’s elaborate strain. To hear it in perfection, you should hear it in
early spring, on a calm, misty, soft morning ; or, better still, in early summer, in that
stillness which precedes or follows a summer thunder-storm, when the skies are black
with lowering clouds, all things else silent, save, perchance, the chirping of frightened
sparrows in a neighbouring hedge; then may the blackbird’s song be heard, like some
good spirit’s voice, breaking through the solemn silence, and bidding us not despair,
for that though the storm may rage, it cannot utterly destroy. As far as my observa-
tions go, it invariably sings from an elevation, and in spring its song is generally the
precursor of wet. It sings at first only in the morning or at mid-day; but about Fe-
bruary or the beginning of March, may be heard singing in the evening.

“ Our other native thrush, the missel-thrush, is not a regular resident in Donny-
brook, I can therefore only state that I have heard hiro in January, February, and
March, uttering his unmusical song in the tops of the tallest poplars.

“The water-ouzel is not found about Donnybrook; I have heard him, however,
singing in the valley of the Dodder, about Bohernabreena, during every month but
July. They always, I believe, sing perched on a stone with quivering wings: it is a
night-warbler; the song is soft, low, and pleasing.

“ The titlark is the next bird which comes before'us, and is truly a summer song-
ster. Its song is hardly ever commenced earlier than the second week in February,
and ends before the end of July. ‘The song, which is short, is uttered on the wing ;
the bird, rising from the ground after the manner of the common lark, takes a short
circular flight, and concludes its song on some tree or other elevated position: it

3966 Dublin Natural History Society.

occasionally sings on the top of some high tree. You seldom hear this bird in early
spring, unless the day be soft and open, though he may sometimes be heard singing
even in raw frosty mornings. This season (1853) was a most unpropitious one at the
period when the bird generally commences, and I do not find him in my notes until
March. As the season advances, frost does not exercise much influence on his song,
a remark which applies to songsters in general. The females of this bird sing, as I
have proved by actual dissection. It rarely sings on the ground.

“The next group we shall consider — the buntings — contains three species, viz.,
Emberiza Miliaria, E. citrinella, and E.Scheniclus. Their songs very much resem-
ble each other in character. That of the common bunting (/. Miliaria) is the most
varied and powerful; it has been not unaptly compared to a bunch of keys drawn ra-
pidly round a notched ring. It may be heard, with very little intermission, from the
beginning of February till the end of August. This bird sings at all times of the day,
but particularly during the bright hours of noon. The song is always delivered from
a slightly elevated position, such as the tall stems of the cow-parsnip, or on some bush
slightly higher than the rest of the hedge. He is not a very common bird about
Donnybrook.

“ The black-headed bunting (#. Scheniclus) has a very feeble harsh song. He
commences about a fortnight or three weeks later than the last, and ceases as soon as
the breeding-season is over. He sings either on the top of a high tree, or in a bunch
of rushes: he also sings at night.

** The yellow-hammer (£. cttrinella) has the same range of season as the common
bunting, and sings either from a bush or a wall, or from a high bank ; he, too, sings
at noon; the song is shorter, but not so harsh: it was in song on the 25th of January,
1852. ,

“The linnets found about Donnybrook are three—Linota minor, L. montium, and
L. cannabina: but owing to their not being regular permanent residents there, I can-
not speak fully about them. They are all generally in song about the second week in
February, and cease to sing in June or July ; they all sing from an elevation.

“The greenfinch (Fringilla Chloris) generally begins his discordant song in the
latter end of February, and ends it in June, but may occasionally be heard in August
and September. They usually, at least in the commencement of the year, sing in con-
cert; they always sing from a height, and, as well as the true linnet, may be heard in
autumn recording for hours.

“ The only other native songsters heard about Donnybrook are three — the com-
mon starling, the woodlark and the stonechat. The starling (Sturnus vulgaris) sings
from the beginning of January to the end of May, and chooses some elevated spot for
his orchestra. The woodlark (Alauda arborea) I had the good fortune to come across
only during one season, that of 1851, and he commenced his song iu the middle of
February, and ceased in the beginning of June. I remarked that he sung on wing,
not rising up into the sky in rapid spires like the skylark, but sweeping round in wide
circles, and ended his song on the ground. Whether this is its common method of
singing or not I do not know, as it never, tomy knowledge, bred in Donnybrook since.
The stonechat (Sawxicola rubicola) conducts us to the migratory birds ; as the same re-
marks apply to it and to its allies, the whinchat and wheatear. The latter bird (Sax-
icola G&nanthe) is not a resident in Donnybrook, only visiting us at its entrance into
and departure from this country. It is, however, very common about Bohernabreena ;
so that I have had copious opportunities of watching its habits. They all generally

Dublin Natural History Society. 3967

begin their song on Patrick’s day; and cease to sing before the end of June. They
sing either on a bush or on wing, rising for a short distance intothe air. As the whin-
chat (Saxicola rubetra) is supposed to be only a summer visitant, I might as well men-
tion that T have killed or observed this bird in the months of October, September and
February. :

“ The chiff-chaff (Sylvia rufa) generally arrives here the latter end of March, and
sings as soon as he comes. The earliest date I ever observed him on was the 10th of
March, 1849, near Templeogue, and I find him noted in every month until the 15th
of September. The song is delivered from some bush or tree, but generally among
the branches, at about middle height from the ground. It has two songs, one of which
is peculiar to the breeding-season, the other to the remainder of his sojourn here.

“ The lesser willow-wren (Sylvia Trochilus) arrives here a fortnight or three weeks
later than the last, and ceases to sing at about the end of July. He sings either on
the topmost boughs or on the wing ; his song is much more prolonged than that of S.
rufa. This bird sings with its bill closed, similarly to the robin; I have remarked this
trait only while he was feeding.

“The whitethroat (Curruca cinerea) arrives here in the beginning of May and sings
till August, with an interval of three weeks in July. Its sung is a melancholy wail,
intermixed with a queer scolding note. It sings thus: — rising from the top of some
bush with a great deal of action, fluttering wings, &c., it takes a short flight upwards,
and then, wheeling back to the point it started from, it ends its song perched. The
earliest record I have of it is the 2nd of May, and the latest the 29th of August, 1850.

“ The three swallows (Hirundo urbica, H. rustica and H. riparia) all make an at-
tempt at song. They generally do not commence singing until three weeks after their
arrival in this country, which usually takes place at this side of the bay in the follow-
ing order : — The sand-martin the last week in March or the first in April; the earliest
record I can find is the 20th of March, 1849: they are generally all gone by the first
week in October. This bird has very little pretensions to song; it sings on the wing,
or on a bank. The chimney-swallow comes on the first or second week in April; the
earliest I have noted occurred on the 4th of April, the latest date I find recorded in
Donnybrook is the 20th of October, 1849. It has more pretension to song than the
rest of the genus, and sings more sweetly in autumn, even as late as the month of Sep-
tember: it does not sing during the latter weeks of July. The window-swallow scarcely
sings at all: it arrives here generally later than the other two; the earliest date I find
recorded is the 13th of April, 1852. It leaves us about the middle of September, al-
though last year a pair of them were feeding their young, which were in the nest, as
late as the 3rd of October.

“That polyglot, the sedge-warbler (Sylvia Phragmitis), concludes the list of sum-
mer songsters. He arrives here the first or second week in May: the earliest date I find
for him is the 2nd of May, 1851. He is the most perfect of our migratory songsters,
and might most aptly be called the ‘ Irish mocking-bird, as, hidden in some brake of
briars or bunch of reeds, he pours forth a mingled imitation of the songs of almost all
our other warblers, mixed with his own harsh song. Two years ago a bird of this spe-
cies frequented Donnybrook, which closely imitated the blackbird, whitethroat, wag-
tail, titlark and bunting. He almost always sings in the closest retirement; and his
melodious strains are not confined to the day-time, but may also be heard during the
stillness of our summer and autumn nights. The latest date I have heard him was
on the 5th of September, 1851.

3968 Dublin Natural History Society.

“ This ends all I have been able to collect concerning the songsters of Donnybrook
individually. The only other songsters I have met with are the goldfinch, which only
occasionally visits Donnybrook, or at least those parts to which I have access: I have
however heard him singing in August and September in the counties Kilkenny and
Waterford, and in early spring about the brakes of Ballinascorney. The bulfinch has
only occurred to me once in Donnybrook, and then in the depth of winter. The ring
ousel I have heard singing in May, at Lough Bray, county Wicklow; the song harsh,
short, and delivered from the top of a rock: I never met with them in the county
Dublin save once, in a stream-glen in the hills between Killakee and Dundrum. The
redwing and fieldfare, although recording here in early spring, I have never heard
singing.” |

In the second portion of his paper Mr. Kinahan made some remarks on the natu-
ral and other causes which appear to control and influence the duration of the song of
birds, which he prefaced by a few observations on various irregularities in their man-
ner and time of singing. These he classed under three heads, giving examples of each
from his note-book :— 1. Night-warblers, including the sedge-warbler, robin, song-
thrush, blackbird, dipper and chaffinch. 2. Birds whose females sing, including the
skylark and titlark. 3. Birds which sometimes sing with closed mandibles, as the ro-
bin and lesser willow-wren. The positions chosen by birds while singing were next
noticed, as well as the periods of the day when they commence their song, all which
appear to vary greatly according to season and the state of the weather; but as a ge-
neral rule, however, he finds that “birds sing oftener and more regularly in the even-
- ing in the spring and autumn than in either summer or winter.” To prove that no
month is utterly songless, Mr. Kinahan gives the following analysis, showing the num-
ber of birds out of the total of forty-one songsters that he has heard singing in each
month in Ireland : — January, 16; February, 25; March, 32 (including two summer
visitants); April, 37 (summer visitants 7); May, 39 (summer visitants 8) ; June, 38
(summer visitants 9); July, 18 (8 of which were summer visitants); August, 14 (sum- |
mer visitants 3); September, 8 (summer migrants 3); October, 9 (summer visitant 1);
November, 10 (3 very regular); December, 11. After adverting to the influence of
the weather, and the abundance or scarcity of food as tending to regulate the com-
mencement and continuance of the song of birds, Mr. Kinahan thus concludes his
interesting paper :—

“ That the song of birds was the language of love, and as such only to be heard
during the pairing season, is an old theory, but not the less incorrect for its age, as,
indeed, the foregoing notes have amply shown; for out of many species which we find
singing after July, but three, or four at most, build second nests. I believe myself
that song is mainly, if not entirely, dependant on a joyousness and lightness of spirit,
whether produced from genial weather, abundance of food, love, or any other cause ;
and, in fact, that a bird sings under the influence of the same natural impulse as that
which causes the yelping of the gambolling pup, or the whistle of the idle schoolboy.
Witness birds in confinement; supply them with sufficiency of warmth and light, and
you may have them singing at any period of the year, and by day or night; the thrush
singing as clearly and sweetly by the glare of the gas lamp as in the bright sunshine.”

Birds. 3969

Observations on the General Colour and the occasional Variations
in the ‘Plumage of Birds. By the Rev. ALFRED CHARLES
SMITH, M.A.

My attention having been directed last year to the remarkable
change in the colour of the plumage of a blackbird, as detailed by me
(Zool. 3576), and commented on in a subsequent number (Id. 3665) ;
I have pursued my inquiries on the subject a little further, with regard
to the general colour of the plumage of birds, and the varieties so of-
ten met with. The subject is one of exceeding interest ; and though
I cannot pretend to have elicited any new facts, or to have made any
new discoveries, I will submit my observations (such as they are) to
the readers of the ‘ Zoologist,’ together with a list of such varieties as
I have been able to ascertain; hoping that the former may induce
some one to work out and more thoroughly investigate this subject,
and that the latter may be serviceable to him in so doing.

In my former paper, above referred to, I had occasion to describe
the growth of a feather, as detailed by Malpighi and other anatomists,
and I then looked forward to this season of the year, when I might
have excellent opportunities for more closely watching, than I had
hitherto done, the gradual but very rapid development of feathers in
the nestlings which now abound in our shrubberies and gardens.
The nests to which I have chiefly confined my attention are those of
the blackbirds and thrushes, both on account of their abundance and
easiness of access, and especially on account of the superior size of
their young inmates ; and I have been extremely interested in watch-
ing the nestlings from the first hour of hatching to the time of quit-
ting thenest. To those unaccustomed to note these things, it is quite
astonishing what a rapid increase the feathers make in a single day,
and how very short a time elapses from the moment when the chick
emerges from the egg, a blind, naked, shapeless creature, to the first
covering of down, and the development of that down to the perfect
feather, and the increase of that feather until the young bird is fully
fledged, and able to shuffle off from the nest and hurry into the thick-
est cover, when the intruder rudely comes to pry into and examine
his new clothing. But now the young bird, whose wings have already
enabled him to flutter away out of our sight, though well covered with
feathers, has by no means come to his full plumage, nor rivals his fa-
ther’s colours: some birds there are, indeed, so precocious, that very
soon it would be difficult to distinguish them from their parents ; but

XI. 2K

3970 Birds.

for the most part their colours are less defined for the first year, and
many do not attain to their full plumage till the second or third, and
some not till the fourth year, or even later than this; of which the
golden oriole, the roller, the bee-eater, the capercaillie, the common
heron and the Skuas, are conspicuous examples. Mr. Yarrell, in
speaking of this, says, “though not believed formerly, it is now very
well known that many birds build nests and produce young before
they have attained their own adult plumage. Baron Cuvier has stated,
that when the adult female bird differs from the male in the colour of
her plumage, the young birds of both sexes, in their first feathers, re-
semble the female ; the young males afterwards putting forth the co-
lours that indicate their sex. When the adult male and female are of
the same colour, the young then have for a time a plumage peculiar
to themselves. The pheasant may be quoted in illustration of the
first law, and the partridge as an example of the second. To these
two, a third law may be added: whenever adult birds assume a plu-
mage during the breeding season decidedly different in colour from
that which they bear in the winter, the young birds of the year have a
plumage intermediate in the general tone of its colour compared with
two periodical states of the parent birds, and bearing also indications
of the colours to be afterwards attained at either period.” But what-
ever may be the first plumage given to the young bird, his time of
moulting will come, when the old feathers are discarded and new ones
come up in their place: I have elsewhere described how this takes
place, and how the old feather does not drop out until it has led its
successor into the hollow it is about to vacate. This regular annual-
moult takes place in the autumn, when the work of nidification is over,
and before the general migration begins: at that moult the plumage
assumed, though thicker and warmer, is not usually so brilliant in co-
lour as the one thrown off; but again in the spring, the bird assumes
his bright nuptial dress, not by throwing off his old feathers and as-
suming new ones, but by the “ gradual wearing off of the lengthened
lighter-coloured tips of the barbs of the feathers on the body, by which
the brighter tints of the plumage underneath are exposed.” And this
is the method by which, as Tennyson sings,—

“In the spring a fuller crimson comes upon the robin’s breast ;
In the spring the wanton lapwing gets himself another crest :
In the spring a livelier iris changes on the burnish’d dove.”

And now that our bird is arrayed in the full dress assigned to his
species, let us remark how beautifully Nature usually assimilates his

Birds. 3971 —

prevailing colour to the general hue of his own locality. I cannot
better exemplify this than by quoting the words of Blyth, in his Notes
on White’s Selborne. “ The wood-snipe,” he says, “is of the exact
tint of the dead leaves over which it runs, the snipe that of the marsh,
and the rail that of coarse and decaying vegetation in the ditch.”
“ The ptarmigan,” observes Mr. Mudie (and he might have added the
mountain hare), “is lichened rock in summer, hoar frost in autumn,
and snow in winter; red grous are brown heather, black game are
peat-bank and shingle, and partridges are clods and withered stalks
the whole year round:” a provision of course intended to furnish
them with some means of eluding the piercing ken of their winged
enemies. I might adduce farther instances of this, but it will be
needless. Of course, the above statement does not apply to all birds,
many of which delight the eye with their brilliant hues in direct con-
trast to the haunts in which they dwell; some of these do not need such
a means of concealment, and others are compensated for their want of
it by other methods of escape from their foes; but to every one its own
peculiar garb is assigned. Nature, usually so uniform and undeviating
in all her ways, has given to every species of bird its own particular
colours, and this law is for the most part very strictly kept, insomuch
that from a thousand specimens of any particular species, the proba-
bility is that in all the plumage would be exactly alike, even to the
faintest and most minute markings. It will, however, be necessary to
qualify this assertion by the addition of certain provisoes. 1. That
the birds to be compared be of the same sex; because, in so many
cases, the plumage of the males and the females of the same species
is totally different: as in the kestrel, the chaffinch, the pheasant, &c.
2. That they be of the same aye ; because, as we have seen above,
there are many birds which do not attain at first to their mature dress,
but are often clad in less defined colours, and young males are fre-
quently habited as females: as the sparrow-hawk, the bullfinch, and
most of the duck tribe. 3. That they be compared at the same sea-
son ; because there are many birds to whom Nature, in her wisdom
and goodness, has assigned a summer and a winter dress, clothing
them with dark or bright hues in the summer, and as winter draws
near, assimilating their plumage to the snowy landscape, by a greater
or less infusion of white in exchange for their dark clothing: of this
the whole family of divers, the snow-bunting, and the ptarmigan are
examples. So that in making a comparison of birds of the same
species, we must see that it be at the same season, and that the birds
to be compared are of the same sex and the same age; and then we

3972 Birds.

shall almost invariably find that their plumage is identically the same
in every individval. |

To this rule, however, there are certain exceptions, of which the
crossbills and the ruffs are very remarkable examples. Of the cross-
bills Bewick says, “ their colours are extremely subject to variation ;
amongst a great number, hardly two of them are exactly similar:”
and other authors, in describing different individuals, show that red,
yellow, green, orange, and brown are the various liveries assumed by
this very cameleon of a bird. Again, the ruff is another species of
which Yarrell states “that scarcely any two of these males can be
found of the same colour, which is very unusual among wild birds.”
But both the crossbills and ruffs are very peculiar birds in other re-
spects, besides their diversity of dress; and perhaps, on another oc-
casion, 1 may have something more to say of them. I adduce them
now merely as striking examples of some constant exceptions to the
law generally observed by Nature, in assigning to every distinct spe-
cies its own peculiar garb, from which the individuals composing it
would no more think of deviating, than would a soldier of one regi-
ment of usurping the facings of another.

There is yet another peculiarity which may occasionally be seen,
when the one sex assumes the dress of the other, to which it is not
naturally entitled. This is more frequently seen in the hen pheasant,
than in any other bird, which, scorning her own plain homely garb,
aspires to the splendid dress of the cock, but these females are inva-
riably barren. Another bird which occasionally delights in the same
vagaries is the female of the black grous; and more might be men-
tioned. On the other hand, there are certain effeminate male birds
which array themselves periodically in female costume: this is the
case with many of the duck tribe, as related in a very interesting pa-
per by Mr. Gurney, (Zool. 3116).

But though the despised sparrow never presumes to adopt the dress
of the gay goldfinch, nor the proud goldfinch condescends to the
dismal robes of the ignominious sparrow ; yet we certainly do see
occasional departures from Nature’s ordinary rule, when certain indi-
viduals of various species seem to ignore the universal law, and, put-
ting aside the colours usually assigned to them, array themselves in
white, or some unwonted hue. Now these unnatural birds are, in my
opinion, far from pleasing specimens of their species; I look upon
them, in all cases, as miserable deformities. If they are so clothed
from the nest (and, on inquiry, | find this is the case with by far the
greater part of them), | consider them as no other than wretched

birds. 3973

abortions, the offspring of weak parents, unfit to rank with their fel-
lows: and if they have assumed an unusual colour in after-life from
any cause, this, too, must be from constitutional debility, whether su-
perinduced by accident or any other cause. For I hold that in all
these anomalous cases, an unwonted variety of colour betokens phy-
sical weakness, no less certainly than bright well-marked plumage
usually betokens good health and strength. ‘To pretend to account
for these freaks of Nature, thus deformed from their birth, is to attempt
to account for all deformities in the animal kingdom; these are the
exceptions which prove the rule, how uniform and undeviating Na-
ture’s laws are.

There is a difference of opinion among naturalists as to whether or
no these white or party-coloured varieties transmit their colours to
their offspring. Mr. Waterton, in writing of the pheasant, says that
he has never been able to perceive this; on the other hand, a corre-
spondent in the ‘ Zoologist’ states his conviction that such is the case,
and brings very strong proof in support of his opinion, (Zool. 873):
the fact (1 suppose) being, that in some cases, though not always, the
variety in colour is handed down from the parent to the progeny. In
proof of this, Bishop Stanley also gives an account of some rooks
which, for several successive years, occupied the same nest, and inva-
riably produced two white ones, proving not only the hereditary co-
lour, but also the weakness of the parent birds, four or five being the
usual complement for a nest. Blyth goes still further than this, and
states that ‘‘ when creatures are taken from their particular natural
haunts, a disposition in the next generation to vary in hue is com-
monly evinced more or less, according to the species; efforts, as it
were, of Nature to accommodate the offspring to the change: and so
remarkable is this in some species, that the breeders of white and
pied pheasants declare that albino or mottled individuals may almost
always be raised from an ordinarily coloured pair, by merely confining
the latter in a room whitewashed, or splashed with whitening.”

I confess I am not yet quite prepared to assent to this, to me, rather
startling statement, though I do not forget the marvellous results of
Jacob’s somewhat similar experiments ; and am well aware what al-
most incredible efforts Nature often makes to overcome obstacles, and
produce her customary results. Of one thing I am quite convinced,
that be this variation in colour hereditary or no, attainable at will or
no, I should be far more inclined to destroy such innovators as dege-
nerate, than to encourage them for the sake of variety.

With regard to those birds which, being at first of the natural hue,

3974 Birds.

have afterwards assumed, either wholly or in part, a white or other-

wise unwonted dress, there is much variety of opinion; and, indeed,

much mystery seems to involve this change of plumage. ‘The effect

is frequently seen in different species, but the causes producing that

effect in many cases lie hidden, although I think there can be little

doubt that these changes spring from a variety of causes, not one hav-

ing yet been started which will apply to any considerable number of
the cases I have investigated. Amongst the many causes proposed

by different naturalists for this occasional and unnatural change of
colour, Montagu and Bewick unite in thinking that confinement is the

chief; and it seems consonant with reason that this may sometimes

be the case, as a caged bird necessarily loses all his natural habits, |
and is constrained to use only the prison diet, whatever that may

chance to be. Again, in the case of a bullfinch which gradually be-

came coal-black, Gilbert White attributed it to the hemp-seed upon

which he was fed, concluding his account of it with this reflection,—

“such influence has food on the colour of animals;” a conclusion,

the universal truth of which I must take leave to dispute: for certainly

this is not the invariable effect of that seed, inasmuch as birds fed en-

tirely on hemp have retained their wonted colour, while others have

become completely black, when fed upon canary-seed alone. A third

cause, proposed by others in some cases, has been fright; and I have

already stated my firm persuasion that a variation in colour has en-

sued upon great and sudden terror. In this I have been supported

by many naturalists, and by no more conclusive proof (though it es-

caped my notice at the time) than the account related by Mr. Fennell

(Zool. 565).

“ Zoologists certant, et adhuc sub judice lis est.”

But although we may prove that one bird is terrified until his hair
turns white, and another eats hemp-seed till he’s black in the face,
and another is imprisoned till he’s purple with rage or white with pas-
sion, yet we cannot imagine that any of these are the wswal causes of
the variations in colour which so frequently come under our notice ;
especially as the greater part of these instances relate to birds always
at liberty, with which sudden fright can have little, and hemp-seed
and confinement nothing at all todo. And even of birds kept in
cages, numbers are daily frightened and fed with hemp-seed, and yet
retain their usual dress; the variation in colour ensuing from either
of these causes is the exception, not the rule. We must then look

—_—~.

Birds. 3975

beyond them for the true cause. Now I have said above, that consti-
tutional weakness seems to me to be the real root of the matter. I
conceive that on a strong and healthy bird, none of the supposed
causes above named would operate to the variation of its colour ; but
that on birds of peculiar weakness, these or any other external acci-
dents or derangements of their natural habits do sometimes induce
such unwonted hues, which perhaps are still oftener the result of de-
bility alone, without any other particular promoting cause. Mr. Yar-
rell seems to be of this opinion; for inspeaking of the common linnet
(Brit. Birds, i. 554), he says, ‘‘ males do not, in confinement, acquire
the fine red colour which pervades the breast of a mature wild bird;”
“the particular plumage assumed during the breeding season by many
species, being a periodical indication ‘of constitutional and sexual
vigour.” And again, in vol. ii. p. 101, in speaking of a young rook of
a light ash-colour, mottled over with black, and with the quill and
tail feathers elegantly barred, he says that upon the bird moulting, all
its mottled plumage vanished entirely; and also adds, “this agrees
with my observations: accidental varieties will generally be found to
be smaller and weaker birds than those which are truly characteristic |
of the species ; as these young birds increase in age, and gain consti-
tutional powers, the secretions become perfect, and the plumage as-
sumes its natural colours: the assumption of white feathers by old
birds is probably the effect of the converse operation of this physio-
logical law.”

Presuming then that physical weakness is the radical origin of the
varieties in colour so often seen, whether they are developed with or
without any farther exciting cause, | come now to enumerate those
instances of varieties in colour which I have been able to gather, with
some few particulars regarding them ; and I have been at some pains
to collect all the instances of varieties for which I could find good
authority, because I conceive, that if resulting from weakness, such de-
formities must occasionally occur in every species of bird: and I have
little doubt, that if we had equal opportunities of observing them, we
should find albino and mottled varieties among our rarer birds, no
less than among the thrushes, blackbirds, sparrows, robins and rooks,
which come so frequently under our notice.

Golden Eagle. ‘White varieties have been seen and recorded,”
Yarrell. |
Peregrine Falcon. White varieties were so frequent as to cause,
among naturalists, the introduction of a new specific name for
them, under the impression that they were a distinct species

3976 Birds.

from Falco Peregrinus ;. and hence they were called Falco albus.
See Selby 2 loco.

Goshawk. “White varieties have been sometimes met with,” Selby.

Sparrow-hawk. An example of a white sparrow-hawk was killed
some years since in this county, and is now in the collection of
a neighbouring gentleman. Another instance of a white spar-
row-hawk occurring in Norfolk, is recorded by Mr. Edward
Newton, (Zool. 3276).

Marsh Harrier. “ Varieties of this species, with more or less
white, are frequently found,” Selby.

Tawny Owl. <A curious variety of this bird, of a pale gray colour,
is mentioned as having occurred near Worcester, (Zool. 2411).

Red-backed Shrike. Mr. Ellman records the occurrence of a spe-
cimen of this bird, of a uniform pale fawn-colour, at Lewes,
(Zool. 2698).

Missel Thrush. White varieties are common, others are occasion-
ally found with the wings and tail white; see Selby, Temminck,
the ‘ Naturalist,’ 1. 189.

Song Thrush. White, cream-coloured, black and white and fawn-
coloured thrushes are occasionally seen; see Yarrell, and Zool.
496, 2453.

Redwing. ‘White and cream-coloured varieties are sometimes
found,” Selby, Yarrell. |

Blackbird. White, ash-gray, and cream-coloured varieties are of-
ten met with; see Yarrell, Selby, ‘ Zoologist.’

Ring Ouzel. “ Varieties are sometimes found similar to those of
the: blackbird,” Selby, Yarreli.

Hedge-sparrow. White, reddish buff, and piebald varieties have
occurred; see Yarrell, and ‘ Zoologist.”

Robin. ‘This little favourite is also very subject to variation in the
colouring of its plumage: white, pink, bluish gray, and mottled
specimens have been noticed ; see Yarrell, and ‘ Zoologist.’

Redstart. A milk-white variety of this bird is recorded by Mr.
Curtler as having been killed by him, (Zool. 2699.)

Wheatear. Two instances of buff and white varieties of the dhenel
ear are noticed in the ‘ Zoologist;’ one shot near Worcester,
(Zool. 1496), the other at Thetford, (Id. 2923).

Blue Tit. A white variety is recorded, by Messrs. Gurney and
Fisher, as having occurred in Norfolk, (Zool. 2027).

Cole Tit. A variety of this bird, with the white mark on the nape
of the neck continued over the head, is noticed (Zool, 3055).

Birds. 3977

Meadow Pipit. An albino variety, in the same nest with several
of the usual colour and markings, is mentioned by Mr. Gray, as
having occurred near Glasgow, (‘ Naturalist,’ 1. 116).

Skylark. Black, white and cream-coloured varieties are mentioned
in the ‘ Zoologist’ (2463), Stanley’s Birds (11. 15), and White’s
Selborne.

Woodlark. A black variety is recorded by Blyth; a pure buff-co-
loured variety by Mr. Tombs, as having occurred in Devonshire,
(Nat. ii. 19).

Common Bunting. ‘Varieties in colour of this species are not un-
common, and I possess one which in colour resembles a golden
yellow canary,” Yarrell. (Zool. 2453).

Yellowhammer. A white specimen is recorded by Mr. Cordeaux,
as having occurred near Canterbury, (Zool. 2851); and a buff
one, by Mr. Clarke, as having occurred near Woburn, (Nat: i.
142).

Ortolan Bunting. “M.Temminck, M. Vieillot, and others well
acquainted with this species, refer particularly to the variations
that are occasionally found in the colours of its plumage,”
Yarrell.

Chaffinch. A beautiful and extraordinary variety of this bird, in
which white, brilliant golden yellow, and cream-colour are the
prevailing hues, is recorded by Mr. Newman, (Zool. 2298).

House Sparrcw. White varieties must be known to every one: I
have one which was sent me in the flesh. Black, cream-co-
loured, buff-coloured, and mottled varieties are also common ;
see Yarrell, Selby, ‘ Zoologist,’ ‘ Naturalist.’

. Greenfinch. A white variety is mentioned by Mr. Jesse in ‘ Scenes
and Tales of Country Life.’ |

Goldfinch. Black varieties are mentioned by Bishop Stanley, (ii.
15); white varieties are also recorded.

Common Linnet. A cream-coloured variety, and another white and
brown, are recorded in the ‘ Naturalist’ (i. 210).

Twite. A pair of these birds, perfectly white, are recorded in the
‘ Zoologist,’ (2953).

Bullfinch. No bird seems more liable to become black than the

- bullfinch. Gilbert White, Montagu, and Bewick give instances
of this, as also do Bishop Stanley, and the ‘ Zoologist,’ (2390,
2454, 2568). White and rose-coloured varieties are also often
met with ; see Yarrell, Selby, Bewick.

Ri: 2.5

3978 Binalé.

Starling. ‘ Albino and buff-coloured varieties are not uncommon,”
Yarrell. See also Zool. 1550, 2229; Nat. ii. 20.

Raven. White and pied varieties are occasionally seen; see Yar-
rell, Macgillivray.

Carrion Crow. ‘ Partially white ones have been seen,” Stanley,
(Birds, i. 84).

Hooded Crow. ‘Sometimes this bird varies in colour, and is found
entirely white or black,” Selby.

Rook. This bird is remarkable for the numerous varieties so often
seen in its species; its large size, sable hue, and familiarity,
rendering every such instance very conspicuous: white, pied,
cream-coloured, gray, ash-coloured, light yellow, and maroon-
coloured varieties have been recorded; see Yarrell, Selby, ‘ Na-
turalist,’ ‘ Zoologist,’ (2953, 3034, 3278).

Jackdaw._ ‘‘ White varieties are sometimes met with: others en-
tirely black, or black and white, are mentioned by different —
authors,” Selby. See ‘ Naturalist,’ i. 159, 170.

Magpie. “Specimens varying in the colour of their plumage occur
occasionally,” Yarrell.

Jay. “ Accidental varieties are sometimes found of a pure white,
with the wing-coverts pale blue,” Selby.

Nuthatch. A specimen perfectly white was killed in Norfolk in
December, 1846, as recorded by Messrs. Gurney and Fisher,
(Zool. 1601).

Swallow. “ White and buff-coloured varieties are not uncommon,” —
Yarrell. See also Zool. (2021, 2392, 2700), Selby.

Martin. “ White varieties of this, as well as of the other species,
sometimes occur,” Selby, Yarrell. A pale fawn-coloured mar-
tin is also recorded; see Zool. 2021: Nat. i. 212, ii. 7.

Sand-martin. ‘‘ White and yellowish white varieties of the sand-
martin are occasionally obtained,” Yarrell. See Nat. ii. 7.

Ring-dove. “Varieties spotted over the body with white are not
uncommon, and are generally very handsome birds,” Yarrell.

Common Pheasant. White, pied, and buff varieties are very com-
mon; see Yarrell, Selby.

Red Grous. “ Varieties of a cream-colour, or with different de-
grees of white, are often met with,” Selby, Yarrell. See Zool.
361. .

Partridge. “ Varieties in colour are very common; some exhibit-
ing only patches of white; others are wholly white; and cream-

Birds. 3979

coloured, or very pale buff-coloured varieties are also common,”
Yarrell, Selby.

Red-legged Partridge. A nearly white variety of this bird is re-
corded as having occurred at Wolverston Park, Ipswich, in
1850; (Nat.i. 142).

Peewit, “ White, cream-coloured, and mouse-coloured varieties
have occasionally been obtained,” Yarrell.

Woodcock. “ Varieties in plumage are not uncommon, sometimes
with a portion of white, or entirely of a dull yellowish white or
buff colour,” Yarrell: and Bishop Stanley says, “ woodcocks
are now and then shot, of a delicate and uniform fawn-colour,”
(Birds, i. 83).

Common Snipe. A cream-coloured variety is recorded in the ‘ Na-
turalist,’ 1. 137.

Knot. A white specimen of this bird is recorded by Mr. Newman,
as having been shot in February, 1851, near Maldon, in Essex,
(Zool. 3116). ,

Land-rail. Varieties of this bird, with white feathers on the breast
and wing-coverts, and with white wings, are mentioned, (Zool.
2772).

Water-rail. “A variety has been taken, which was pure white,”
Yarrell.

Moorhen. “The Rev. Mr. Lubbock mentions a curious variety, in
which the back and wings were mottled with white,” Yarrell.
Common Coot. “Varieties entirely white, and others only par-
tially white, have been seen both in Norfolk and Lincolnshire,”

Yarrell.

Puffin. “ White varieties occasionally occur,” Selby. “ Varieties

in colour have been known to occur,” Yarrell.

The foregoing list enumerates fifty-seven species of our British
Birds, the varieties in whose plumage have been recorded, and, no
doubt, the readers of the ‘ Zoologist’ can in some cases add others
from their own observations ; proving that white, pied, and mottled
varieties are not confined to a few only of our commoner birds. I
might have adduced many other examples of these varieties in the com-
moner birds, both from personal observation, and from the testimony
of ornithological friends; but I have preferred, as far as possible, to
quote from Mr. Yarrell, Mr. Selby, and other ornithologists, whose
authority is undoubted, and whose books bear witness to the mstan-
ces adduced by me.

3980 Birds.

The above list refers to wild birds alone, or I might add to them
the pea-fowl, which is occasionally seen to change to a white dress,
an instance of which has occurred in my immediate neighbourhood :
and the common hen, whose strange and periodical alternations of a
snowy and a sable dress are recorded (Zool. 667, 726). But domes-
lication, we well know, is the cause of many strange freaks in the
colour of plumage. Thus, from the gray lag goose is descended our
domestic goose, whose dress is more often white than any other colour:
and Yarrell tells us that from the wild duck are descended two white
varieties of domestic ducks. In the case of pigeons, too, descended
from the rock dove, what a variety of colours has not domestication
produced! But these are scarcely parallel cases ;, we cannot put wild
and domesticated birds side by side, and apply the same arguments to
both; foras our cultivated garden flowers bear no resemblance to their
wild ancestors, or our grafted fruit-trees to the stocks whence they first
came, so our domesticated birds soon lose all characteristics of their
original forefathers.

ALFRED CHARLES SMITH.

Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
June 30, 1853.

Note on the Singing of Birds in Spring and Summer in Ireland. — In the spring,
choose one of those calm, clear, frosty days we so often have towards the end of Fe-
bruary : — not a breath abroad; a dead unearthly stillness in the air; a clear blue sky
overhead ; a sun shorn of his heat, but not of his brightness. Now the wren revels,
singing on the top of some bush, or darting from bough to bough with quivering
wings; the robin pours out all his soul; the lark, as the poet hath it,—

“* Higher still and higher, from the earth now springeth,
Like a cloud of fire the deep blue he wingeth,
And singing still doth soar, and soaring ever singeth ;”
the thrush excels in melody; the tender fauvette dares to trust himself with song on
some spray, all diamond-tipped by the frost; the yellow hammer utters his spring
strain; while in the tops of the fir-trees the various tits keep up an incessant sawing ;
and between whiles, from some deep sheltered glade, the blackbird’s mellow note is
heard. For summer songsters, choose we a day opposite in many characters to this—
a true summer’s day — a sun almost vertical, a sky cloudless, or, at least, its azure
broken but by a few small fleeces of a snowy whiteness, not a breath stirring, a blue
glimmering haze, which might almost be handled, rising in waves all over the coun-
try; all the insect wibes disporting and dancing in the sun’s beams; a balmy lazy feel
in the air, a stilly calmness all around. Then take your station in the gorge of some
mountain stream, the sides of the hill clad with trees, the streams fringed with bushes
and brambles; on its banks, meadows studded with occasional tufts of yellow furze—
from some rock in the stream you will hear the soft low song of the dipper, and the

+) hoe

Birds. 3981

pleasing strain of the wagtails ; from the brakes along its sides, the sedge-warbler in-
cessantly warbles a rich medley; on the low meadows near the river-banks, you will
see the titlarks rising and falling, singing merrily ; the whitethroat in the hedges keeps
up its miserable wail, changed, if disturbed, into a scolding note of alarm; on the
tops of the bushes the buntings are ringing, ringing, revelling in the genial heat, and
in the pastures below you will see the chats rising and falling in the air, at times pur-
suing their insect prey, then uttering their short song on wing, or perched upon the
summits of the bushes ; while the wheatear may be seen, now feeding on the ground,
now rising for a short distance singing, and anon, perched on some old bank or wall,
perking his tail, and scolding you for disturbing his solitude. In the woods above,
you hear the sprightly song of the chaffinch, or the blackbird’s mellow strain, floating
softly on the summer air; in the tops of the trees you have the gentle song of the
lesser willow-wren, or the harsh note of the green linnet ; lower down in the branches
the chiffchaff ceases not chip-chopping incessantly ; there, too, may you hear the soft
low coo of the ring-dove; and above your head, the swallows, gliding along, utter
their low note of contentment. From the corn-field comes now and again on your ear
the monotonous creak of the rail, or the plaintive twit-twitter of the quail; from the corn,
too, springs the lark, and, as he rises higher and higher, redoubles his song. On the
bluffs above, the ring-ouzel gives utterance to his simple strain ; and high over all the
towering song of the thrush is heard in all its surpassing melody. ‘There is, or rather
was, such a glen on the Dodder, where you might, with few exceptions, hear all these
songsters. There, oft have I enjoyed this treat, when all things—the purling stream,
the glorious scenery (magically softened by the glimmering haze), the calmness, the
sweet songs, the solitude,—might almost make you fancy that you were in fairy land,
or the far-famed Elysium of the ancients. — J. R. Kinahan, in Report of the Proceed-
ings of the Dublin Natural History Society.

Unknown Eggs lately found in the neighbourhood of Norwich. — On the 5th of
June, some boys, out for a trip on the Norwich river, observed a hole in the bank, be-
tween Coldham Hall and Woodsend, about 8 miles below Norwich. Supposing it to
contain a nest, from some loose materials protruding from the aperture, they searched
it, and discovered ten pure white eggs, deposited at some distance from the entrance.
Three of these were broken in getting them out, and the rest were taken the next
morning tv a bird-preserver in this city; but, unfortunately, the boys could give no
account of the nest itself. In shape, the eggs closely resemble those of the common
swift, but differ from them in being much smaller, and in having a smooth shining
exterior; and, before they were blown, the yolk appearing through the shell gave
them a delicate flesh-coloured tint. They measure about 84 lines in length, by 53 in
breadth, tapering towards the smaller end. The unusual number, and general ap-
pearance of these eggs, lead one to assign them to some bird hitherto unknown to
breed in England.—H. Stevenson ; Norwich, June 25, 1853.

Note on the Red-backed Shrike destroying Small Birds. — This morning a bird-
catcher was following his vocation near Norwich, when a red-backed shrike pounced
on one of his call-birds (a linnet), and attempted to carry it off, but being prevented
from doing so by the linnet being fastened to the ground with a string and: wooden
peg, the shrike tore off the head of its victim, with which it made its escape. The
bird-catcher then drew ont from the ground the peg which held down the dead linnet,
and left the dead bird lying in the net. In about half an hour the shrike again ap-
peared, pounced upon the body of the dead linnet, and carried it off in its beak, with

3982 Birds.

the string and peg hanging to it; the weight of the latter probably was the cause of
the shrike not carrying its prey quite away, as it dropped it after flying about fifteen
yards, when the bird-catcher again picked up the dead linnet and replaced it in the
net. The shrike in the mean time retreated to some neighbouring bushes, from which
it soon made a third pounce upon the nets, this time attacking the second call-bird,
which was a sparrow. On this occasion, however, the bird-catcher was on the watch,
aud drawing his nets, captured the shrike, which proved to be an adult female of
Lanius Collurio.—J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk, June 28, 1853.

* Could’nt ! Cos he Sung so! — Leaning idly overa fence, a few days since, we
noticed a little four-year-old ‘lord of the creation’ amusing himself in the grass by
watching the frolicsome flight of birds which were playing around him. At lengtha
beautiful Bob-o-link perched himself upon a drooping bough of an apple-tree, which
extended to within a few yards of the place where the urchin sat, and maintained his
position, apparently unconscious of the close proximity to one whom birds usually
consider a dangerous neighbour. The boy seemed astonished at his impudence, and
after regarding him steadily for a minute or two, obeying the instinct of his baser part,
he picked up a stone lying at his feet, and was preparing to throw it, steadying him-
self carefully fora goodaim. The little arm was reached backward without alarming
the bird, and Bob was within an ace of damage; when lo! his throat swelled, and forth
came Nature’s plea: —‘ A link—a link—a 1-i-n-k, Bob-o-link, Bob-o-link! a-no-weet,
a-no-weet! J know it—I know it! a-link—a-link—a-link! don’t throw it!—throw it,
throw it, throw it,’ &c.; and he didn’t. Slowly the little arm subsided to its natural
position, and the despised stone dropped. The minstrel charmed the murderer! We
heard the songster through, and watched his unharmed flight, as did the boy, witha
sorrowful countenance. Anxious to hear an expression of the little fellow’s feeling,
we approached him, and inquired, ‘ Why didn’t you stone him, my boy? — you might
have killed him and carried him home.’ The poor little fellow looked up doubtingly,
as though he suspected our meaning, and with an expression, half shame and half
sorrow, he replied, —‘ Could’nt ! cos he sung so!’ Who will say that our nature is
wholly depraved after that, or aver that music hath no charms to soothe the savage
breast? Melody awakened humanity, and humanity—mercy! Theangels who sang
at the creation whispered to the child’s heart. The bird was saved, and God was glo-
rified by the deed. Dear little boys! don’t stone the birds.”— Clinton (U.S.) Courant.

[From an American newspaper. Communicated by Mr. Yarrell, who adds that
“the Bob-o-link of the Americans is the Rice-bunting (E’mberiza oryzivora) of Wilson
and Audubon.’—E. N.|

Occurrence of the Mountain Finch (Fringilla montifringilla) near Dorchester.—
This exceedingly elegant finch is seldom, so far as I can discover, seen anywhere but
in the North of England, it being a native of the northern portion of Europe ; but as
one was lately shot in this county, I think it worthy of record in the ‘ Zoologist.’ The
specimen I allude to, a very fine male, and in good condition, was shot during the cold
weather last winter, at Herringstone, near this town, the seat of Thomas Davis Bayly,
Esq., and is now in the possession of a friend of mine in Dorchester.—John Garland ;
Dorchester, July 9, 1853.

[The brambling certainly occurs occasionally near London, and that sometimes in
great numbers: during last March I found several frozen to death in my garden.—
Ldward Newman.\

Birds. 39383

Jackdaws taking the Eggs and Young of other Birds to feed their
own Young with. By W. H. Sianey, Esq.

In the tenth volume of this journal (Zool. 3475), is an account of
the destruction of eggs by two individuals of Montagu’s harrier, in
one of them the yolk, and in the other, the greater part of the egg and
shell of a thrush having been discovered: but I have to bring a charge
of a similar nature, and even of a more villanous character, against
another bird, usuallv, I believe, not thought to commit such depreda-
tions, namely, the jackdaw. The noisy, chattering, and thieving pro-
pensities of this bird are well known, as well as the trouble it often
occasions by building its nest down chimneys, which it frequently en-
tirely fills up, so as to fill the whole house with smoke when an attempt
is made to light a fire: but were this the only accusation against the
jackdaw, or even pilfering a few stray articles to form its nest with,
it might be forgiven; but the following acts are of a more serious
nature. |

Numerous pairs of jackdaws have taken up their abode about this
place, and every year have built in the hollows of the old trees quite
close to the house, more especially one pair, which took possession of
a hole in an elm tree, but a few yards from the ground, and there, for
several successive summers, hatched their young. This year, how-
ever, having previously had suspicions of their depredations, I desired
that the hole in the tree might be closed up; on this being done, the
jackdaws established themselves in an old ivy, a little further off, and
there made their nest, in which might very shortly be heard the al-
most constant clamour of the young ones crying for food. Very near
to the tree from which the daws had been ejected, and within a few
feet of the stable-door, was a privet hedge, which, on being trimmed,
disclosed the nest of a poor thrush, which the bird had to quit eight
or nine times a day, owing to persons passing to the stable; but still
she continued laying, and afterwards sitting, until she had hatched
four eggs. The young thrushes were quite open to view; and though
no accident befell the eggs, yet, early one morning, within a few days
after their birth, the four little callow birds were all missing, although
late the night before they were quite safe, and on the same morning
the jackdaws had been seen pretty near the spot, though several hun-
dred yards from their own nest, then full of young. I feel convinced,
from the inquiries I made, and the caution I had previously peremp-
torily given, that no servant or other person had taken them; and it

3984 Birds.

was only a short time before I found that the eggs and young disap-
peared as mysteriously from other nests, without a mark or vestige of
the depredator being left. Still, there was no proof against the jack-
daws; but the gamekeeper having stated he had no doubt of the fact,
I desired that some traps should be baited with eggs: but in the first
place I ought to relate some other circumstances connected with the
subject.

Immediately under the spot containing the nest and young of the
jackdaws, was a dry pit, at the-bottom of which a pheasant had made
her nest. This nest was perfectly open to view, and without even a
bush ora nettle to hide it, although within a few yards there was
plenty of rough stuff to have concealed it; the pheasant however pre-
ferred sitting in the most open spot, and had eleven eggs. For some
time the pheasant sat on without mterruption, the jackdaws above
her keeping up a constant clamour, and flying backwards and forwards
to their nest all day long. But shortly after the young daws were
hatched, I one day perceived the pheasant’s nest without the old bird
upon it, and many tail and other feathers lying close by, as if she had
been forcibly taken or driven away, which I at first suspected had
been done by the foxes. Shortly after this, however, she again made
her appearance, and resumed her sitting; but the next day but one
she was again missing: there had evidently been a buffeting and scuf-
fling, for many more feathers were left behind, and two eggs broken.
The old bird once more returned to her nest, and hatched the re-
maining eggs. This mischief I conceive to have been the work of the
jackdaws in trying to rob the poor pheasant of her eggs; and as she
was near her time, and sat very close, hardly ever quitting her nest
except for food, the jackdaws probably did not like to wait for her
absence, but, as I suppose, attacked her on her nest.

Sull I had only supposition to. go upon; but in consequence of |
what the keeper had said, and the evil name he gave the jackdaws for
stealing eggs, declaring them to be quite as bad as magpies and crows,
I directed that several traps should be set on the tops of the cropped
hedges and other elevated places, and covered over; with a number
of small upright sticks stuck round the concealed trap, so that any
bird coming to the eggs placed on it as in a kind of nest, would be
compelled to alight on the trap. These traps had not been set many
days before not only magpies, crows and jays were caught therein, but
several jackdaws as well; thus proving their propensity to steal eggs,
as the keeper had stated he knew to be the case.

After this, I desired the keeper to take the young jackdaws, four in

Birds. 3985

number, and when he had done so, to wait for and kill the old ones,
but not until he had secured the young ones, lest they should be left
to starve. This he soon accomplished; and on shooting the old ones
while returning to the nest, he found their mouths and throats filled
with the mashed up remains of young birds, — pieces of legs, wings,
beaks and feathers. These circumstances leave no possible doubt of
the fact that jackdaws take the eggs and destroy the young of other
birds, in order to feed their own young.

The. depredations committed by crows, magpies, jackdaws, and
other assailants of the eggs and young of game, and of various other
birds, is so great, that it is quite surprising the destruction which thus
takes place, and how numerous are the nests plundered before the
eggs arrive at maturity. It is constantly the case that day after day
accounts are brought in that such and such a nest has been destroyed ;
and yet partridges and pheasants seem to take a special delight in
selecting the most dangerous places to form their nests in, frequently
by a path or public road-side; and it is equally astonishing how they
sometimes contrive to sit out their time and hatch their eggs, although
the place is passed twenty times in the course of the day, and the hen
bird but little concealed from observation, and almost always leaving
a track up to her nest, thereby discovering the place she is sitting in.
But occasionally a nest is robbed in so mysterious a manner, that it is
impossible to discover by what means it is done, even when made in ©
the most secluded places. I have lately lost several nests of wild-
ducks’ eggs, in a way not to be accounted for. The first had eight
eggs, and was built amidst some fern and gorse, on a dry bank close
at the back of the keeper’s house, in a private spot, away from any
thoroughfare. Here, after the duck had sat for a considerable time,
six out of the eight eggs were one morning found to be gone, and the
other two quite concealed beneath some dry leaves and grass; but
not a mark of any kind could be traced near the nest, and the old duck
was seen associated with some mallards and other wild ducks, which
had succeeded in rearing their broods on a pool close by.

A few days after this, in looking near the same spot for the nest of
one of the keeper’s hens, another wild duck’s nest was found, contain-
ing twelve eggs, on which the old one was sitting; this she continued
to do for about ten days, when, upon the keeper’s going to see how
matters were going on, having previously put some tarred cording on
four sticks around the nest in order to keep off the foxes, and after
the placing of which the old duck continued safe on her nest, he found
every egg gone, and not a bit of the shells, or the slightest mark, left

XI, 2M

3986 Birds.

near the spot. Shortly afterwards the old duck was seen on the pool
with the other duck, mourning over their mutual disappointment, as,
no doubt, their nests having been made so near to each other, and the
two old ducks, often meeting when going in search of food, had
talked over the anticipated affairs of the nursery, and the relative
merits and beauty of their expectant broods; but, like other fond mo-
thers, they were both in this instance doomed to find their hopes de-
stroyed. J] know not to what cause to attribute the destruction of the
last lot of eggs, for upon those in the first nest being missed, I had
directed that traps might be set upon some boards elevated above the
ground ; the traps were covered over, and a kind of nest made on the
top of the trap, and baited with eggs: I therefore fully expected that I
should shortly find a felon magpie, crow, or jackdaw in some of them,
but after waiting for more than ten days, nothing whatever came to
the traps.

Now, when the weight of a wild duck’s egg, containing a young one
just ready to be hatched, is considered, it seems almost impossible for
any bird to have carried away every one of the twelve eggs, without
leaving some marks behind, but nothing of the kind was to be seen ;
and from the bait in the traps not having been touched for so long a
time, I am disposed to think that the depredator must have been some
creeping animal that could not reach the eggs placed in the nest on
the trap. But yet, how could such a number as eighteen eggs have
been carried away without any being broken, or any track to the nests
discovered? ‘The extraordinary performances attributed to rats in
stealing and carrying away eggs are well known; but I think they
could hardly have taken so many without some being broken, or the
place to which they were conveyed being discovered ; though cer-
tainly there were a good many of both the common house-rat and the
brown water-rat, not far off, and both kinds will take eggs, and have
frequently been caught in traps baited with eggs. Again, many hedge-
hogs are frequently found in the bank where the wild ducks’ nests
were made, and in the adjacent covers; and these animals will not
disdain to feed on eggs. For although I have said so much on their
behalf, as innoxious animals, in a former number of this journal (Zool.
715), I felt obliged at last to give up their defence ; but the same dif-
ficulty presents itself as to their being able to remove the eggs without
leaving some marks behind.

Of the several broods of young wild ducks already hatched and on
the pools, I have not unfrequently to lament the loss of one or more
of the ducklings taken by rats and pike; but the destruction of whole

Birds. 3987

nests of eggs in the mysterious manner before mentioned, is a cater
mity requiring great fortitude of mind to bear calmly.
Wo. H. Sianey.
Hatton Hall, Salop, July 4, 1853.

On the Reproduction of the Greater Spotted Cuckoo, (Cuculus
glandarius, Linn.) By A. i. BREHM.*

Ir is well known to have been hitherto undecided whether Cuculus
glandarius sits upon its own eggs or not. Even I myself, notwith-
standing my somewhat lengthened sojourn in Africa, could for a long
time learn nothing certain on the subject. I was well acquainted
with the bird, its laughing magpie-like cry, and all its habits; and I
knew that it usually dwelt among the thick, low, Mimosa-woods in
which it is to be seen, generally in battle with another individual of
its own species, as it flies, quick as an arrow, through the thickest
bushes.

On the 5th of March, 1850, my deceased brother, Dr. Vierthaler,
and myself, collected seven examples of the greater spotted cuckoo in
a Mimosa-wood near Siut, in Upper Egypt. Among them was a fe-
male, with a fully-developed egg in the oviduct. Unfortunately, this
egg was destroyed by the shot, and exhibited only broken fragments ;
these, which we sorrowfully contemplated, were bright green in co-
lour, with darker brownish spots.

Here, however, was a slight advance towards a knowledge of the
eggs, at least towards ascertaining the breeding-time, which, in Africa,
varies so greatly, and is not confined to any particular month. Yet
two years more went by ere I became clearly acquainted with the his-
tory of the mode of reproduction of this bird. On the 2nd of March,
last year, I for some time attentively watched the motions of a greater
spotted cuckoo in a garden near Thebes, in Upper Egypt. At last, I
saw it slip into a large nest, placed upon a rather low Salicaria tree.
After rather more than a quarter of au hour out it flew again, and
straightway departed from the garden. I climbed up to the nest, and

* Translated from Dr. Cabani’s ‘ Journal far Ornithologie,’ part 2, for the present
year, and communicated by Philip Lutley Sclater, Esq., who observes that the article
“is worthy of the attention of British ornithologists, as, according to Mr. Yarrell,
‘ every ascertained fact in the reproduction of the species among the cuckoos is a mat-
ter of interest.’ ”

3988 | Birds.

found it to belong to the Egyptian Corvus Cornix, and containing al-
together six eggs. One of the crow’s eggs had been recently broken.
Among them I at once recognized two smaller eggs, belonging to
some other bird, but nearly resembling those of the crow in size and
colour. When I arrived at the boat, I perceived that these agreed
well with the pieces of the egg extracted from the oviduct of the fe-
male cuckoo before mentioned: and, at the same time, in this respect,
they confirmed the observations of Herr Pffarr Baldamus, namely,
that the egg of the cuckoo (speaking of Cuculus canorus) is always of
the colour of the eggs of the nest in which the parasite lays her own ;
for the eggs of the greater spotted cuckoo were quite the same in co-
lour, though not in size, as those of the crow. They were like the
eggs of our magpie, only more rounded and not quite so long.

This discovery would have been quite sufficient to settle the ques-
tion of the mode of reproduction of this cuckoo, but on the 12th of
March it was still further confirmed. In one of the village gardens,
thickly planted with trees, as is particularly the case in Egypt, I
was summoned to the chase by the clear-sounding, but, at the same
time, inharmonious cry of an old cuckoo, —“ kiekkiek — kiek — kiek.”
I obtained both the old birds, and soon found a young one also,
which was being fed and provided for by hooded crows. After this,
I began to ascend to all the crows’ nests, and in one of them, in the
before-mentioned wood near Siut, was really so fortunate as to find
another cuckoo’s egg on the 19th of March. Herr Apotheker Bae-
decker, of Witten, will forthwith figure these eggs.

After what I have stated above, every oologist will believe me that
the eggs which [ have described as those of Cuculus glandarius are
genuine ; and, should any one think otherwise, I may perhaps be al-
lowed to ask him to publish his reasons for doubting it.

A. E. BREHM.

Notes on the Habits of the Green Sandpiper, (Totanus ochropus).—An adult female
green sandpiper was killed at.Saham, on the 14th of June last, after having been no-
ticed in the vicinity for several days. As this bird was’ alone, and the breast not
denuded from incubation, nor were the eggs at all larger than hemp-seed, it may be
inferred that this species breeds very late. ‘This case might be thought an exception,
but I have noticed them at Saham and elsewhere, in this county, every month in the
year except July, June 14th being the latest date, and August 15th the earliest, that I
have observed them. Where they go to breed seems not yet to have been ascertained :
the nest has been noticed once in Norfolk, and (as far as I am aware) there is no ac-
count of their breeding habits in any ornithological work. As far as my own observa-

~ Ae

Reptiles. 3989

tions go, it is a shy and solitary bird, more than one seldom being seen except in
August, and then six is the largest number that are usually seen together. They re-
sort to small streams more than to large rivers and stagnant pieces of water; and if

_ they are in an open place, it is almost impossible to obtain a shot, as they fly up when

you are within about a hundred yards, and settle again a little further away from the
spot they are disturbed from. They appear to be much more common than they are
usually supposed to be, being more frequent in August and May than at any other
time; but yet are often seen in the winter months. As “the habits of this bird appear
to be but imperfectly.understood,” I thought the above observations might be worth
recording, as each fact that is observed tends to elucidate the subject. — L. H. Irby ;
Saham, July 9, 1853. :

Note on the late appearance of the Common Scoter (Anas nigra) in Norfolk.—A few
days since I had the opportunity of examining in the flesh a male specimen of the
common scoter, shot at Hickling on the 20th of June. The bird was in good condi-
tion, and exhibited no symptoms of having been previously wounded, to account for
its unusually late appearance. By reference to my note-book, I find that one was
killed at Burlingham on the 11th, and another at Scottow on the 22nd of May, last_
year; but the present is the latest instance of its occurrence that has come under my
notice.—H. Stevenson ; Norwich, June 27, 1853.

Note on the Reproduction of the Frog (Rana temporaria). — Mr. Lowe’s paper in
the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ (see Zool. 3871) having attracted con-
siderable attention, as the startling novelty of the positions laid down by him would
naturally lead one to expect, I have waited patiently for some person more competent
than myself, either to refute or satisfactorily corroborate such statements. With the
exception however of Mr. Alfred Merle Norman, who has come forward in support of
the fifth position, and Mr. Newman’s very prudent and properly cautious observation
at the end of Mr. Norman’s statement (Zoo]. 3913), I see no remarks in reference to

the matter. I therefore think I am bound to state that I can in many respects corro-

borate Mr. Lowe’s and Mr. Norman’s statements as to the reproduction of frogs with-
out the presence of water; which I do, not giving any opinion on the doubts suggested
thereby, but merely to aid the inquiry, in accordance with Mr. Newman’s permission
granted in the observation above mentioned. I had a wine-cellar, about 10 feet by 8,

_at the end and leading out of a back kitchen, below the level of a small garden, situ-

ate in the High Street in the midst of this town. There was only one door to the cel-
lar, and one small window, opening on a little square space with a railing over it upon
the level of the garden, the path of which was flagged with large paving-stones. I had
a wooden shutter fixed on the inside of my cellar, to increase the facility of obtaining
an equable temperature for the wine, and which was constantly kept up and fastened.
I found some large frogs in it the first year I went to the house; these I had taken out
and the cellar thoroughly cleaned. I am quite sure no others could have obtained
access thereto through the window, and, of course, they could not through the two
kitchens ; yet, to my great surprise, the next year I found frogs in considerable num-
bers and of different degrees of size, some very small. They were again got rid of in
like manner, and the cellar cleaned ; but the same occurrence happened the next year.
There was no saw-dust kept, the wine being packed on laths. I never could account

3990 Mollusks &c.

for this, and leave it for any suggestions the readers of the ‘ Zoologist’ may make on
so generally interesting a suhject.— John Garland ; Dorchester, June 20, 1853.

Capture of the Spiny Cross-fish (Uraster glacialis) in Dalkey Sound, Ireland. — 1
have to record the capture in Dalkey Sound of the spiny cross-fish (Uraster ylacialis,
Linn.) The specimen was taken on the 19th instant, in a lobster-pot; its dimensions
were as follow : — Length of rays in inches, 64, 73, 8, 74, and 64; first and second
rays, from eye to eye, 15 inches, third and fourth 16} inches: disk, 1 inch by 14.
Colour : — back of rays bluish green, with purple patches; around the eyes and ends
of the rays purplish ; spines at end of rays purplish, near the disk white at their tips,
at the base bluish green. In Forbes’s ‘ British Star-fishes’ I find this species recorded
as occurring only on our western shores, if we except Belfast; I therefore thought this
notice of its occurrence so far East would be acceptable to some of the readers of the
‘ Zoologist.’ The specimen is at present in my possession, and is intended to be pla-
ced in the collection of the Dublin Natural History Society.—John Robert Kinahan ;
Sea-view Terrace, Donnybrook, June 22, 1853.

Occurrence of Muller’s Top-knot (Rhombus hirtus) in Dalkey Sound.—I have also
to record the occurrence of Muller's top-knot (Rhombus hirtus), captured in the same
place on the 21st instant. The specimen was 53 inches long, and has been presented
to the same collection.—Jd. |

On the Geographical Distribution of the British Mollusca. -
By Witu1AM F. Tempter, Esq.

I was much pleased on perusing the ‘ Zoologist’ for the past six
months, to observe the increase of local collectors and local lists of
British land and fresh-water Mollusca. While the above may be
considered as affording signs of an increasing interest in terrestrial
Malacology, the absence of any notes on the marine Testacea indi-
cates an indifference in those residents by the sea-side, who may hap-
pen to be correspondents of the ‘ Zoologist.’

If this does not arise from indifference, to what cause is it to be at-
tributed? Is it owing to a supposition that the marine Mollusca are
not to be procured without the trouble and expense of dredging? If
so, I hope to prove the fallacy of such an idea. It is true, that many
species cannot be obtained without dredging ; but of even the deep-
water species, many may be found thrown up in our sandy bays after
heavy gales. ‘The littoral zone, however, is at all events accessible ;
and during the periods of spring tides the higher regions of the lami-
narian zone may be explored. The mollusks inhabiting these zones,

Mollusks. 3991

although for the most part small, are possessed of much beauty, and
for that reason a larger share of interest than the mollusks of a larger
growth. They likewise occupy a most important station in the marine
Fauna of the British Isles. In some localities the minute Rissoas, as
R. parva, and some of the Skeneas, as S. planorbis, are to be found in
the greatest profusion. The best way for collecting them is to cut
the weeds from the rocks and carry it home in bags; the weed having
been well washed in fresh water, may be then thrown away, and the
shells, mud, &c. at the bottom should be placed in a current of air to
dry, after which they may be examined and sorted in a black tray, the
minute shells being removed with a hair pencil. ‘I'wo or three fine
sieves will much assist the operation and save time. :

Within the last few months the magnificent, and, to the collector,
most invaluable work on the ‘ British Mollusca,’ by Messrs. Forbes
and Hanley, has been brought to a conclusion, and affords ample ma-
terial for the extensive deductions so ably drawn in the Introduction.
The peculiar geographical situation of Great Britain, and conse-
quently its temperate climate, combined with its varied and extensive
line of coast, tend to produce a list of the marine Testacea equally
varied and extensive.

The following extract from the Introduction to the work expresses
all I wish to bring before the conchological readers of the ‘ Zoologist.’

“Were a person desirous of accumulating personally and rapidly a
collection of British mollusks, he would fail in his object if he con-
fined his researches to any-one locality, even though it embraced a
considerable reach of coast and variety of sea bottom. Four districts
at least would have to be visited. To the Channel Islands he would
have to go for several forms almost extra-British : on the South-west
coasts he would find not a few mollusks that he would seek for in vain
in more northern or eastern seas: only on the West coasts of Scot-
land many species of great interest and peculiarity could be readily
obtained. In the extreme province of the Zetland Isles he would ga-
ther some of our most remarkable rarities: and possibly after all he
would have to visit as much of the northern half of the German Ocean
as may be claimed for our Natural-History province, and the West
coasts of Ireland, before his cabinets could be fairly filled.”

This extensive system of dredging, which but few if any one per-
son has accomplished, being completed, and the ponds, rivers, and
running streams, and the hilly limestone ranges having been searched
for the species frequenting such situations, the results would be as
follows : —

3992 Mollusks.

Acephala Tunicata, ........... es Srbal tit ieee 75 species.
Acephala Lamellibranchiata, ..... pesdiwion. caemaeeeeanin 18h.: A%;
Acephala Pallibranchiata or Brachiopoda, ............ 5 + 9
hero pod, is.c5..<.025cc.h at. Gece bec. nds davcak deepens Ast as
Gasteropoda Prosobranchiata, ............::0ssseseceseeeeees 221 eae
Gasteropoda Opisthobranchiata, ....... ysacuced a abeoniiie 113.0 9
Pulmonilerays sss jcc Ak SES oa sh het dato ded 1016 > 593
Cephalopodayg,.), osu kicicy. MRR ditt ok rae ie har 28

Questions now naturally arise, as to the best way of obtaining a
complete collection, and as to the advisability of seeking a British
series of specimens, to the exclusion of extending our researches to
the whole European Fauna.

A British collection must be more expensive than one formed from
a wider range; inasmuch as many of the Mollusca, both Boreal and
Lusitanian, attain their extreme limits in our seas, and are conse-
quently much more rare. For example: Tellina balaustina may be
procured from the Mediterranean at a much cheaper rate than a well-
authenticated British specimen; and for the purposes of science and
classification would be equally instructive. Again, a British collec-
tion, supposing it to be complete as such, would present many gaps
in the classification, and, without the aid of foreign species, would be
far from satisfactory to a scientific mind. Many also of our British
genera are represented by only one species; and there is nothing
more interesting than an extensive series of shells, all constant to the

general features, and presenting so great a variety of specific differ-.

ences: to me this is one of the most delightful portions of Natural
History, to perceive order and regularity springing out of apparent
chaos and confusion of forms.

I refer again to the work of Messrs. Forbes and Hanley, who, un- —

der the Conidz, allude to an instance illustrative of my meaning.

“To a person unacquainted with exotic, and at the same time un-
versed in fossil Conchology, the association of the fusiform shells often
called Pleurotoma with Conus will appear unnatural. There is really
a very complete passage between them and the true cones; although
the extremes of each have little Ggeeies the possession of a spire and
the canaliculated aperture in common.’

I will now conclude with a few words as to the remedy for the stants
disadvantages. I propose that collectors should endeavour to form a
European instead of a mere British collection. This would greatly
extend the number of species, and would lead to a much more correct

Mollusks. 3993

knowledge of the habitations and classification of the Mollusca. The
continent of Europe, especially France, the Rhine, Belgium, Holland,
Switzerland, and Italy are as well if not better known than many parts
of our own country, and to naturalists offer much greater advantages.
The wet and gloomy gorge of the Tamina in Switzerland, all the way
from Ragatz to the baths, abounds in various mollusks, and the Clau-
silias, hanging from some of the walls in thousands, apex downwards,
quite fringe them with a drapery of living forms. Again, at Nice, in
Italy, | have been informed, that during the winter months, a constant
system of dredging is carried on in the bays; and Dr. Johnston, in
his ‘ Introduction to Conchology,’ alludes to more than one species of
mollusk being sold in the markets for food, in some of the Italian
towns.

If British naturalists, during their visits to the continent, would col-
lect all the shells that they could procure, and a Society were formed
for exchanging the peculiarly British forms of Mollusca and marine
shells with continental naturalists, I have little doubt that ere long the
beneficial results arising from such a Society would be witnessed in
the more extensive collections, and by the presence of finer specimens
and more abundant forms of many of the genera now either poorly
represented or altogether wanting; until at length our cabinets would
approach to a perfect blending of colours in the prismatic scale, and
it could not be said, here the genus Buccinum ends, and here begins
the genus Fusus; but rather that Fusus should be the link, as it is,
leading from Buccinum to Trophon. Nature abhors gaps, as much
as she has been said to abhor a vacuum.

| WILLIAM F. TEMPLER.
Ilfracombe, July 8, 1853.

Notes on the Habits of Sepiola vulgaris. By P. H. Goss, Esq.

My notions of the Cephalopoda, derived from figures of the various
species in books, were anything but agreeable. I thought of them as
hideous, repulsive, fierce, atrocious creatures, hated and feared when-
ever seen. But an acquaintance with the pretty Sepiola vulgaris has
not a little modified these ideas; and its beauty, sprightliness, and
curious habits have made it quite a favourite pet among the denizens
of my aquarium. I take it in considerable numbers in Weymouth
Bay, by means of the net known as a “ keer-drag,” which rakes the

XI. 2N

3994 Mollusks.

“bottom. It is a little creature, rarely exceeding an inch in length ;
though the extensibility of the arms somewhat varies its dimensions.
When we turn out two or three from the net into a pail of sea-water,
they are at first restless and active. They shoot hither and thither,
as if by a direct effort of will, but in reality by the impulse of rapid
and forcible jets of water, directed towards various points from the
mouth of the flexible funnel situated beneath the body. After a few
moments they suspend themselves in mid-water, hovering for many
seconds in the same spot, scarcely moving a hair’s breadth either way,
but waving their large circular swimming-fins rapidly and regularly
up and down, just like the wings of an insect. Indeed, the resem-
blance of the little Cephalopod, in these circumstances, to a brown
moth hovering over a flower, is most close and striking, and cannot
fail to suggest an interesting comparison. The body is held ina
horizontal position, the large protuberant eyes gazing on either side,
and the arms, grouped together into a thick bundle, hang freely down-
wards. If you essay to count these organs, you find only eight; and
even if you are aware that one of the characters of the genus is to have
ten, of which two are much longer than the rest, you may search for
these latter along time in vain. Of course I mean during the life and
health of the animal, when its impatience of being handled presents
obstacles to a very accurate investigation ; you may then turn it over
and over with a stick, and look at the bundle of arms from above and
below in turn, now grouped together, and now thrown all abroad in
-anger at being teased ; still you can make out but eight. It was not
until after many trials that I at length caught a peep at the missing
organs — the pair of long arms, and discovered that it is the animal’s
habit to carry them closely coiled up into little balls, and packed
down upon the mouth at the bottom of the oral cavity. If we manage
to insert the point of a pin in the coil, and stretch out the spiral fila-
ment, the little creature impatiently snatches it away, and in a twink-
ling rolls it up again. A zealous votary of the circular system would
seize on this analogy with the spirally folded tongue of a moth, and
triumphantly adduce it as additional proof that the Cephalopoda
represent, in the Molluscan circle, the Lepidoptera among insects.
While thus hovering motionless in the water, the Sepiola presents
a fair opportunity for observing its curious transitions of colour, which
are great and sudden. We can scarcely assign any hue-proper to it.
Now it is nearly white, or pellucid, with a faint band of brown specks
along the back, through which the internal viscera glisten like silver.
In an instant the specks become spots, that come and go, and change

Mollusks. 3995

their dimensions and their forms, and appear and disappear momenta-
rily. The whole body, arms, fins, and all, the parts which before ap-
peared free, display the spots, which, when looked at attentively, are
seen to play about in the most singular manner, having the appearance
of acoloured fluid, injected with constantly varying force into cavi-
ties in the substance of the skin of ever-changing dimensions. Now
the spots become rings, like the markings of a panther’s skin; and as
the little creature moves slightly, either side beneath the fin is seen
to glow with metallic lustre, like that of gold leaf seen through horn.
Again, the rings unite and coalesce, and form a beautiful netted pat-
tern of brown, which colour increasing, leaves the interspaces a series
of white spots on the rich dark ground. These and other phases are
every instant interchanging, and passing suddenly and momentarily
into each other with the utmost irregularity. But here is a change!
One is hovering in quiescence, his colour pale, almost white ; one of
his fellows shoots along just over him; with the quickness of thought,
the alarmed creature turns from white to an uniform deep brown, the
rich full colour suffusing the skin in a second, like a blush on a young
maiden’s face. The hue is very beautiful; it is the fine, deep, sienna-
tint of tortoise-shell ; a substance which, indeed, the mingling clouds
of brown and pellucid horn closely resemble in the intermediate
phases of colour.

Hitherto we have seen the Sepiola only in the pail of water into
which it was turned out of the net. After a little while it drops upon.
the bottom, and, crouching up, remains motionless ; if you rouse it, it
will again swim for a few moments, but presently seeks some corner,

into which it thrusts its rear, and’ huddles up as before. This is all
_ that you will see of its habits under such circumstances, for in all pro-
_bability the morning will reveal your little protégé a lump of white
jelly, dead and stiff, with uncoiled arms, on the naked floor of his
prison. But introduce him while in health into an aquarium, where
living sea-plants are perpetually revivifying the water, and where the
bottom, varied with sand, gravel, and pieces of rock, imitates the na-
tural floor of the sea, and you will soon see other particulars in the
economy of our little friend, which will, I doubt not, charm you as
much as they have pleased me. ¢

The Sepiola is a burrower; and very cleverly and ingeniously does
it perform a task which we might at first suppose a somewhat awk-
ward one,—the insertion of its round corpulent body into the sand or
gravel. Watch it as it approaches the bottom, after a season of ho-
vering play, such as 1 have described. It drops down to within an

3996 Mollusks.

inch of the sand, then hangs suspended as if surveying the ground for
a suitable bed. Presently it selects a spot; the first indication of its
choice being that a hollow about the size of a silver fourpence is for-
cibly blown out of the sand immediately beneath the group of pendent
arms. Into the cavity so made the little animal drops; at that instant
the sand is blown out on all sides from beneath the body backward,
and the abdomen is thrust downward before the cloud of sand which
has been blown up settles, but which presently falls around and upon
the body. Another forcible puff in front, one on each side, and ano-
ther behind, follow in quick succession, the fine sand displaced at
each blast settling round the animal, as it thrusts itself into the hol-
low thus more and more deepened. ©

I was not at first quite sure by what agency these blowings, so ad-
mirably effective and suited to the purpose, were performed. The jet
in front I readily attributed to the action of the fleshy funnel project-
ing from beneath the mantle on the breast; but I did not see how
this could blow a stream directly backwards. I therefore put one of
my pets into a vessel with glass sides, which was furnished with the
requisite sand and water. I at once saw that the funnel was indeed
the organ employed, and the only one in every case; and perceived
its beautiful adaptation for the work it had to do, in its extreme
flexibility. This organ is very protrusile, and being perfectly flexible,
its orifice can be, and is, at will pointed in any direction, so as to
blow the jet of water forward, backward, or to either side at pleasure.

It frequently occurs, of course, that small stones are mingled with
the sand, or the animal may find it convenient to burrow in the loose
gravel. In either case the arms come to the aid of the funnel, the
sucking disks with which they are furnished being made to adhere to
the stones, which are drayged out and thrown aside. You may sup-
pose this to be a clumsy expedient, but you would think differently
if you saw it: the rapidity with which the arms are thrust under the
body, and drawn out, bearing pieces of stone of comparatively large
size, and the graceful ease with which they are then thrown forward,
discharging and dropping the burden, impress the mind with admira-
tion of the beautiful fitness of the organization for the requirement.

This use of the funnel, and of the sucking arms, so different from
their normal purpose, affords additional examples of that Divine eco-
nomy in creation, which, when a new function is ordained, does not
always form new and special organs for the necessity, but adapts some
already employed in other service for the new work ; while, still, both
the one and the other function are fulfilled with such perfection, as

Cl eee OO Oe oO O_o

Mollusks. 3997

shows that every emergency was foreseen and provided for in the
mighty plan, and that it was not for want of resources that distinct

actions are performed by the same instrumentality. We admire the

skill of the artisan who can effect different operations with the same tool,
especially when we see that each kind of work is of faultless excellence.

The ordinary employment of the sucking arms is no doubt the same
as in other Cephalopoda, the capture and retention of prey. Of this
I saw an instance in the case of one of my Sepiole which had seized
a shrimp (Crangon trispinosus), a sand-burrower like itself, and was,
when I saw it, holding it firmly against the horny jaws, which were
devouring it. The discharge of ink through the funnel I have also
witnessed, though this is far from being a frequent action with this
species. One of them that had been for a day or two in an aquarium,

_and was evidently at home there, I put into another vessel. No other

animal was present, but the strangeness of the new abode evidently
frightened it; it darted about in manifest alarm and excitement, and
presently shot forth from its funnel a cloud of inky fluid to a distance
of several inches; another and another discharge succeeded in rapid
sequence, and it was not for some time that the animal recovered its
equanimity. - It did not appear to me that this fluid could be of much
service to the little creature in the way of concealment ; for although
the matter was tolerably copious and densely black, it did not diffuse
itself in the water, but remained in masses, and when moved with a
stick was drawn into slimy strings.

Perhaps the facts above recorded may not possess to others the
novelty that they had to me. Dr. Johnston, in his admirable ‘ Intro-

duction to Conchology,’ has not included any species of Cephalopoda

in his enumeration of burrowing Mollusca; nor have I ever read of
any that were known to possess the habit. I ought to have said that
it takes place to no greater extent than to bring the animal just level
with the surface of the sand, which is generally thinly spread over the
posterior part. The eyes and the dorsal edge of the mantle are al-

ways exposed ; and if we carefully heap the sand over these parts, it

is in a moment blown away by the action of the funnel, or removed
by the undulation of the mantle-edge.

Among the many hundreds of marine animals which have stocked
the aquarium at the Zoological Gardens in the Regent’s Park, I have
sent up a dozen or more of the Sepiola, where I hope they may live
long, and entertain many visitors with their amusing habits and pretty
appearance. P. H. Gosse.

Weymouth, June 28, 1853.

3998 Insects.

Entomological Localities. By J. W. Douetas, Esq.
(Continued from page 3690).

SCOTLAND.

**Q Caledonia! stern and wild,
Meet nurse for a poetic child!
Land of brown heath and shaggy wood,
Land of the mountain and the flood,
Land of my sires! what mortal hand
Can e’er untie the filial band
That knits me to thy rugged strand?
Still, as I view each well-known scene,
Think what is now, and what has been,
Seems as, to me, of all bereft,
Sole friends thy woods and streams were left ;
And thus I love thee better still.”
Scott : —‘ Lay of the Last Minstrel.’

“Hear Land e’ Cakes and brither Scots,
Frae Maidenkirk to Johnny Groat’s ;
If there’s a hole in a’ your coats
I rede ye tent it:
A chield’s amang you taking notes,
And, faith, he'll prent it.”
Burns.

Ir was in the beginning of August, 1838, that I yielded to the
solicitations of a friend, and my own cherished desires, to visit the
Scottish land of mountain and of flood. We were impelled to make
the tour by an undefined romantic notion of seeing hills and lakes,
more especially that district rendered classical by Scott’s ‘ Lady of
the Lake ;’ and once determined to go, our enthusiasm rose so high,
that if the antipodes had been our destination, the impulse we had
received would have carried us there. On my part, there was, in ad-
dition, a strong desire to see something of the land of my fathers, —
men who, if viewed by the light of our civilization, appear to have
been little better than powerful ruffians, yet, judged by the standard
of their own time, show no cause why I should be ashamed to own
them as my ancestors, but rather, make me regret that so noble a
stock should have produced such a degenerate scion. At any rate,
they were earnest men, doing what they had to do with all their might;

ee

Insects. 3999

in this, if in nothing else, affording a lesson to the best of us.* En-
tomology was beginning to obtain my attention, and, although in a
very subordinate degree, had some influence in tempting me north-
ward. _ The results in this respect, I having so many things besides
insects to observe, were not much, the greatest of them being, perhaps,
a strong impression of the value of Scotland as a hunting-ground for
entomologists. I have mentioned these particulars to show that how-
ever much a tourist may be occupied with the sights and sounds of
the country through which he is going, he may always keep his eyes
open for any illustrations of its Natural History that wll come in his
way, whether he look for them or not. To a genuine lover of Nature,
with but a limited time at his disposal, I can imagine nothing more
enchanting or enticing than to sojourn for a summer month or two
among the moors and forests of Perthshire. There would be now lit-
tle variety of incident by the way; but the entomologist would have
no difficulty in staying at places where he might collect to the best
advantage, live like the natives, without wheaten bread, and with but
little animal food, and find the change to a simple diet vastly to the
benefit of his health.

Within the last few years several collectors have visited Scotland,
and have discovered many species either new to our lists, or very rare.
Among these pioneers Mr. Weaver deserves especial mention, not
only for breaking ground in a new direction, but also for his discove-
ries. He evidently belongs to the Natural Order of “Hunters,” which
has Nimrod at one end and Gordon Cumming at the other, although,
by force of circumstances, he has fallen upon one of the milder forms
of sport; for, without any disparagement, the sporting phase of ento-
mology may surely be said to be the most attractive to him, when we
consider the years during which he had made collecting his occupa-
tion. He is a worthy example of what a man can do if the internal
impetus be strong enough to carry him onwards.

But there is yet a vast deal to be done, both in the explored and
unvisited districts of Scotland; the smaller Lepidoptera, for instance,
being all but unnoticed: it is more than probable that among them,
as well as the larger kinds, in Coleoptera and other Orders, many spe-
cies known in the North of Europe, or alpine countries, or altogether
new, are yet latent here. I need, surely, say no more, to tempt some
of those who have time and means, to breathe for a few months the

*“ And none at that time durst strive with a Douglas, nor yet with a Douglas's
nan, for if they did they got the worse.”— Notes to ‘ Lady of the Lake, Canto V.

4000 Insects.

mountain air: I am satisfied the harvest reaped must be good, if not
great. |

As with a sparrow in a corn-field, it will be difficult for a visitor to
such a rich country as Perthshire for instance, to decide whether to
settle in one spot, or to move about. If he adopt the former plan, he
will have the best chance of obtaining variety of species, and be able
to attend to larve; but if he shift his quarters, he will be likely to find
some insects that he would not get if confined to one locality. Either
method has its advantages, but 1 would recommend the former.

My recommendation to explore Scotland for its entomological pro- |
ductions, may be addressed to her own sons even more than to the
southern Saxons; for, with few exceptions, all the spécialité of her
insect Fauna has been discovered by English visitors. Whether the
somewhat notorious dislike of Scotchmen for anything that does not
pay, has to do with the neglect of their native Entomology, I am not
prepared to say; it cannot but be lamented that there is so much
apathy in this direction. It may be only another phase of the spirit
that induces most of us to neglect what is close at hand and easy of
acquisition, and to patronise something else, because it is brought
from the ends of the earth.

The following list of Lepidoptera may be deemed pre-eminently
Scotch: a host of other species may be found, but I have restricted
myself to mentioning some of the rarest or newest. Some of our finest
Coleoptera have also been captured in Scotland by Weaver and others.

Polyommatus Artaxerxes Thera variata
Erebia Blandina | Phesyle flavicinctaria
Sphinx Pinastri Melanippe tristata
_Acronycta Euphorbie ? Cheimatobia autumnaria
Luperina furya od filigrammaria
Spelotis cataleuca Emmelesia Ericetaria
Cryobia carnica (hyperborea, Kupithecia Callunaria
Doub.) 9 cognata

Hadena assimilis Amphysa prodromana

»» ~ Tectihnea Leptogramma Scotana
Aplecta occulta bs Parisiana
Plusia interrogationis Peronea Caledoniana
Scopula alpinalis Penthina Grevilleana
Eupisteria quinquaria Sericoris Daleana
Charissa obfuscaria Euchromia Arbutana

Coremia munitata Sciaphila Penziana

Insects &e. 4001
Sciaphila octomaculana Gelechia solutella
Coccyx cosmophorana 5; boreella
» finitimana ne galbanella
_Pamplusia subsequana Depressaria Ciniflonella
Stigmonota lunulana Ornix Scoticella
_Crambus Ericellus 5, Loganella
Tinea picarella Elachista locupletella
» ochraceella Lithocolletis Caledoniella
(Ecophora stipella

. J. W. DouG.as.
Lee, June 30, 1853. F

Note on Acherontia Atropos.— With reference to previous communications on this
splendid Sphinx (Zool. 3716, 3777), I beg to observe that its periodical plenty has been
frequentiy observed by myself in this neighbourhood, and especially two years ago,
when they were remarkably (comparatively) numerous near Sherborne, in this county.
In Honeycombe Wood, Sherborne, on the estate of the Earl Digby, the gamekeeper
residing there took a considerable number of them; but both before and since that
time they have been looked upon as very scarce. In Wood’s ‘ Index Entomologicus,’
the habitat is given as ‘“ Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire: ” to this must be added our
county of Dorset, in which, also, by the bye, a very large number of Lepidoptera men-
tioned in that work are also to be found. In the same year I observed also the com-
mon rose-chafer (Cetonia aurata) at Sherborne, in far greater numbers than usual.—
John Garland ; Dorchester, June 20, 1853.

Capture of Diphthera Orion in Hampshire.—I have just had a fine specimen of
this rare and beautiful moth presented to me by a young lady. It was caught last
night by her maid, without being injured. I have never heard of its capture in Hamp-
shire before.— William Henry Hawker ; Horndean, Hants, June 14, 1853.

Occurrence of Psecadia Funerella in Yorkshire.—Both this summer and the last I
have obtained Psecadia Funerella at Richmond, Yorkshire, but not in any number. I
beat it out of hazel on both occasions.—John Sang; Darlington, June 23, 1853.

Occurrence of Hypercallia Christiernana at Castle Eden.— The year before last,
about the end of June, I was fortunate enough to eapture a fine specimen of Hyper- |
callia Christiernana in Shotton Dean, Castle Eden. It was beaten out of grass on an
exposed hill-side. JI have since been unable to meet with it.—Jd.

Note on.a Monstrosity in the Earth-worm, (Lumbricus terrestris).—A man residing
in this place has brought me a monstrosity in an earth-worm, (Lwmbricus terrestris).
The worm is two inches in length, and at about half its length, a second tail bifur-
cates: the two tails are of the same length and size, but the second leaves the original
one at an acute angle, and is not of so bright a colour. — William Thompson ; Wey-
mouth, July 5, 1853.

XI. 20

4002 Entomological Society.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

July 4, 1853.—Epwarp Newman, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors :— The ‘ Zoologist’ for July; by the Editor. The ‘ Atheneum’ for June; by
the Editor. The ‘Literary Gazette’ for June; by the Editor. The ‘ Journal of the
Society of Arts’ for June; by the Society. ‘ Entomologische Zeitung’ for April and
May; by the Entomological Society of Stettin. ‘Journal of the Royal Agricultural
Society of England, vol. xiv. part 1, 1853; by the Society. ‘ Exotic Butterflies,’ part
7; by W. Wilson Saunders, Esq. ‘ Monographie des Guépes Solitaires,’ par H. F.
de Saussure, Cahiers 5 et. 6; by the Author. ‘Abhandlungen iber eine neue Daph-
nieart, Daphnia aurita, und aber die Daphnia laticornis, Jurine, von Dr. Sebastian
Fischer: ‘ Abhandlungen uber die in der Umgebung von St. Petersburg vorkommen-
den Crustaceenans, der Ordnung der Branchiopoden und Entomostraceen, von Dr.
Sebastian Fischer: ‘ Erganzungen, Berichtungen und Forsetzung zu der Abhandlung
uber die in der Umgebung von St. Petersburg vorkommenden Crustaceen, von Dr.
Sebastian Fischer: all presented by the Author.

R. F. Logan, Esq., of Duddingston, near Edinburgh, was balloted for and elected
a Member of the Society.

Mr. F. Smith exhibited a large box of insects, captured this season in Scotland by
Mr. Foxcroft, and sent as a sample of the species to be distributed among his Sub-
scribers. There were many fine and rare species, including Notodonta Carmelita
among the Lepidoptera, and Jamia edilis among the Coleoptera.

Mr. Janson exhibited some insects taken on the occasion of the Society’s visit to
Mickleham, on the 25th of June; including the very rare moth, Pachetra leucophea
(or the species known by that name in England), and the following rare Coleoptera :—
Claviger testaceus, Baris picicornis, and Spherosoma Quercus.

Mr. Tebbs exhibited Notodonta trepida, which was attracted to a light at Highgate.

Mr. Weir exhibited the scarce Aplota palpella, bred from Genista tinctoria, grow-
ing at Pembury, near Tonbridge Wells.

Mr. Hunter exhibited a living larva of Limenitis Sibylla, found on honeysuckle at
Black Park.

Mr. Bond exhibited Hydrilla caliginosa, ¢ and Q, lately taken in the New Forest.

Mr. Stevens exhibited the rare Curculionidous beetle, Plinthus caliginosus, from
West Wickham; the exceedingly rare moth, Chariclea Delphinii, the larva of which
he thinks he took last year near Arundel ; and a specimen of Aplecta nebulosa, witha
pollen-mass of a flower attached to each eye.

Mr. Waring exhibited two living mole-crickets; on which Mr. Douglas remarked
that he once had two of these insects together in a box, and in a short time he found
they were both dead, and greatly mutilated by each other.

Mr. Carter exhibited a Cucullia umbratica, with a number of flower-anthers at-
tached to its head; and Aphelia pratana, with a Gordius ? protruding from its abdomen.

Mr. Douglas exhibited Laverna ochraceella, Curtis, bred from leaves of Epilobium
hirsutum, in which the larve mine and make their cocoons, —a discovery of Mr. Jor-
dan, of Teignmouth. He also exhibited the larva, pupa, and imago of Areocerus
Coffew, Fab., a beetle belonging to the family Anthribide, which he had found in con-
siderable quantity, feeding upon and doing great damage to mace imported from India.

Entomological Society. 4003

Mr. Edwin Shepherd exhibited Retinia Turionana, from West Wickham; and
Madopa Salicalis, Spilonota simplana, Chrosis Audouinana, Eupithecia Succenturi-
ata, and Roslerstammia perlepidella, from Darenth Wood.

Mr. Westwood exhibited Hylobius Abietis, a beetle usually found on young pines,
but this season discovered to be destructive to plum and peach trees in some districts ;
Coleophora Luscinizpennella, reared from leaves of rose-trees, to which the larve had
done considerable damage ; Ourapteryx Sambucaria, with its pupa, directing atten-
tion to some peculiarities of the latter not hitherto noticed, as the dilation just above
the very acute terminal point, and the number of small recurved hooks by which it
attaches itself to the threads of its cocoon; and the imago and transformations of
Lampronia corticella, St., the larva of which feeds in the buds of raspberries, remark-
ing especially upon the singular manner in which in the pupa the haustellum is rolled
up laterally. He also read the following letter: —

* Small Arms Office,
“ Birmingham, June 13, 1853.

“Sir,

“Tn the translation of that very interesting book of Kollar, on
‘ Insects injurious to Gardeners and Foresters, I have songht for the history, habitat
and description of those insects which infest and destroy the timber in our store-houses,
and more especially those which attack walnut-wood in preference: but I find only a
very slight reference to the Anobium, as being the cause of that I would proceed
against. Iam no entomologist, not from want of inclination, but of time; but being
concerned in the care and conservation of a very large store of rough musket-stocks
in the public magazines, every recurring season makes me more anxious to devise, if
possible, some means of defence against the insidious enemies known amongst work-
men under the general name of ‘ the grub.’

“It is upon these grounds that I trust you will pardon me for troubling you with
a few questions. Some fourteen years ago I received valuable help and information
from your Society upon the subject of an insect of the Bostrichus tribe, which I had
unwittingly impurted through Marseilles, and I am now induced to come again for
help against our indigenous enemies.

“The beetles that I send inclosed are some that were taken off piles of walnut-
stocks at Weedon, last week ; I found some of the larvee also— small white maggots,
not larger than a horse-hair—but these were lost on the way home.

* 1}. Will you have the goodness to give me the proper name of this particular in-

sect, and the family that it belongs to?

“2. At what season of the year does the parent beetle deposit her eggs?

“3. In what period of time from that are the larve hatched?

“4, Do they (the maggots) penetrate into the wood immediately after coming out

of the egg?

“5. How long do they remain feeding in the wood, or lying dormant in the pupa

state, before emerging as perfect beetles ?

“6. Does the course of transformation of this tribe of beetles take place more than

once in the same year?

“7, My observation leads me to the conclusion that the first palpable external

sign of the grub having been in the wood, is the hole made by the perfect
beetle in coming out : is this opinion well founded ?

4004 Entomological Society.

“ Trusting to your good offices, I pray you to believe me,
‘Sir;
“ Your very obedient Servant,
“ Geo. LovELt,
“« 1. M. Inspector of Small Arms.”
“J. O. Westwood, Esq.”

Mr. Westwood exhibited the beetle referred to—Latridius lardarius, and said that
the habits attributed to it did not agree with its economy, for it was well known to
feed upon dried animal matter and provisions, and never upon wood; so that he
thought it was not the real depredator, and he now awaited a reply to a communica-
tion to this effect which he had made to Mr. Lovell.

Mr. Douglas read the following note: —

“In the ‘ Entomologische Zeitung’ for May, is a note by Dr. H. Hagen, upon a
work published in London in 1773, intituled ‘A Decade of Curious Insects: some of
them not described before, shewn in their natural size, and as they appear enlarg’d
before the Lucernal Microscope, in which the Solar Apparatus is artificially illami-
nated: with their History, Characters, Manners and Places of Abode; on ten 4to
plates and their explanations, drawn and engraved from Nature by J. Hill, Member
of the Imperial Academy.’ This work, Dr. Hagen says, has been rendered notorious
by the remark of Fabricius in his ‘ Species Insectorum’ (Pref. p. 8), — ‘at damnande
memorie J. Hill, qui decadem Insectorum Londini 1773, 4to, figuris fictitiis edidit.’
After quoting on this point a remark of Percheron, in his ‘ Bibliographie,’ —‘ C’est
une question que l’on peut examiner de nouveau, maintenant que l’on posséde tant de
matériaux que Fabricius ne connaissait pas, — Dr. Hagen goes on to say, for reasons
which he gives, that he does not think the figures are fictitious ; at the same time al-
lowing, that even for the period at which they appeared, they are very bad, and that
the descriptions are no better. As an example, he gives the remark upon Alucita pal-
lida: —‘ A studious gentleman, very subject to the headache, sneezing one day with
violence, as he was writing, saw some atoms a moment afterward upon a sheet of white
paper that lay upon his table, &c. This, he says, ‘ Westwood, in his ‘Introduction’
(vol. ii. p. 5), quotes without further remark, so that he does not seem to have suspected
any deception. Stephens, and all the other English authors, entirely ignore Hill’s
work, and yet his figures are not worse than fig. 3, tab. 6, in Harris’s ‘ Exposition,’
from which Stephens, Ragan any remark, makes out Ceenis Harrisella, a new, and, to
him, unknown species.’

“ Dr. Hagen gives the following remarks upon Hill’s figures, anil adds that he
should be happy to hear the opinions of other, and particularly English, entomologists,
on this matter: —

“Tab. 1. Tenthredo luctuosa, from Uxbridge. (A small Hymenopteron).

“Tab. 2. Tenthredo variegata, from England. (A small Hymenopteron).

“Tab. 3. Sphex pectinipes, from Ireland. (Not to be made out).

“ Tab. 4. Myrmeleon Formicarium, from France and Italy. (Doubtless M. tetra-

grammicum). .

“ Tab. 6. Cynips Queretis-folii, from Norway. (Bad, but a Hymenopteron).

“Tab. 7. Ephemera Culiciformis, from Esher, in England. (Very bad, but cer-

tainly a small species of Perlide).

i lis

Dublin Natural History Society. 4005

“Tab. 8. Ephemera rupestris, from London. (Very bad, but doubtless a small
Phryganea).

“ Tab. 9. Alucita pallida, from England. (A very small Thrips).

“Tab. 10. Alucita fulva, from England. (A Phleothrips).”

Mr. Westwood said the figures were very bad, and that it was scarcely possible to
recognise the species ; and with regard to the insects which “ the studious gentleman ”
sneezed, he thought it probable that he had previously drawn them into his nose by
smelling flowers.

Mz. S. Stevens mentioned that one evening, at Mickleham, he saw many Noctue
attracted to one particular thistle, and upon investigation he found it covered with
Aphides and their sweet secretion.

Mr. Wing said he had seen both Noctue and Geometre attracted by the secretion
of Aphides on gooseberry-bushes; and Mr. Westwood aliuded to the well-known at-
traction to bees of the honey-dew deposited by Aphides on the leaves of trees.

The President announced that a second field-day excursion of the Members of the
Society and their friends, would be made to West Wickham Wood, on the 9th of July.
—J. W. D.

- The Entomological Society has had two field-meetings,—one on the 25th of June,
at Mickleham, the other on the 9th of July, at West Wickham. On both occasions
the weather proved wet, and only about half the usual number of Members attended ;
nevertheless some good captures were made, and the meetings passed off very plea-
Santly. One of our rarest Lepidoptera, — Pachetra leucophea ? — was taken by Mr.
Janson, at Mickleham, on the former date.—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the Dublin Natural History Society.

June 10, 1853.—J. R. Kinanan, Esq., in the chair.

After the preliminary business, Mr. Andrews said that he had a variety of eggs,
obtained on the west coast, to present to the Society, which, as soon as they were pre-
pared, would be placed in the Museum.

Mr. Kinahan begged to present, from James Haughton, Esq., of Moorfield, Roe-
buck, the egg of the chiff-chaff, (Sylvia rufa); and from Thomas Barry, Esq., of
Wexford, a species of shrew,. which Mr. Kinahan considered to be Sorex rusticus.
Also, an undescribed species of Entozoa, taken from the pectoral muscles of Tetrao-
don Pennantii. The discovery of that rare fish, taken at Ardmore, Waterford, had
been recorded by Mr. Sargint. The Entozoon belonged to the genus Echinorhynchus.

_ Mr. Kinahan also begged to present a bat, obtained at Feacle, county Clare, in Au-

gust, 1852. He referred it, though in doubt, to the species Vespertilio Daubentonii,
which has already been once obtained in this country, in Londonderry. The species
now exhibited was captured by a cat, and is a male. Mr. Kinahan referred it to Dau-
bentonii, for the following reasons: —1. The number of false molars, 6 and 6, refer it
to that division of the genus Vespertilio. 2. Its dimensions agree pretty well; they
are: — length of head and body, 2 inches; tail, 13 inch; spread of wings in a straight

4006 Dublin Natural History Society.

line, 8 inches ; following the curvature of the wings, 103 inches; length of ear, 3 inch.
The points of difference are : — ears somewhat oval, deeply notched on the inner side,
beneath the notch a fold, and another on the outside of the ear; tragus two-thirds the
length of the ear, somewhat lanceolate, lobed at hase on the outside: fur on the back
black at the roots, reddish at the tips; underneath, roots of fur dark, tips light gray-
ish ; interfemoral covered with light hair; lines very numerous, and as well as mem-
branes of wings, dark, without any mixture of reddish ; upon the upper lip, on each
side, is a distant moustache of soft, velvety, black hair, mixed with long bristles, which
are also found beneath the chin.

Doctor Farran then gave the following notes on the discovery of Bulla hydatis.
He said : -- “‘ I find that there is a notice of this shell in the ‘Fauna of Cork, com-
piled by Mr. Humphreys, as occurring in sand at Belgrove, East Ferry, Cork Har-
bour; but on making inquiries of that gentleman, he acknowledged that he had seen
the shells, but never in a living state: and as to the specimens in the Institution, their
locality was not noted, as he was not certain whence they were procured. I have it in
recollection seeing this shell in the collection of Mr. O‘Kelly, the intimate friend and
associate of the late Dr. Turton ; it was marked as English, and as the collection was
wade during the life-time of the Doctor, had it been Irish, I have no doubt it would
have been remarked as a notable addition to the Zoology of Ireland. Until the oc-
currence of the incident to which I have alluded, I was under the impression that the
shell was only to be found in the English seas; but having been met with on the
west coast of Ireland, we may expect that not only the English shells, but others, will
be obtained by a diligent search, and amply repay the labours of the conchologist.

“In the year 1844, accompanied by Mr. M‘Alla, I dredged Roundstone and Bir-
terbie Bays with a success far beyond my most sanguine expectation: however, there
was a spot in Birterbie Bay, which we both agreed should be re-investigated, although
holding out but little prospect of adding anything new to our collection, inasmuch as
we had gone over the ground before, and found that the floor of that part of the bay
was covered with a great thickness of dead and decomposed Nullipore, and this again
coated over by a thick deposit of slimy mud. We had observed that wherever this
peculiar formation occurred, our search for shells was fruitless. As we had, in tack-
ing, only crossed this ground, we were determined now to take it in the length, and
accordingly gave our steersman orders to commence at the tail of the bank, and bring
us up to the head of the inlet. Throwing the dredge overboard, and running it out
for a short time, we found on raising it that it was filled to the utmost with the mud
and nullipore, which was, as usual, spread on the deck, and into which Mr. M‘Alla at
once plunged. After having been occupied in examining this fetid mud for some
time, he handed me a fragment of shell very similar to the paring of a human nail,
and, in rather an excited manner, asked me what I thought it was. On looking at it,
and examining it as wellas the uneasy motion of the boat permitted (the wind being
fresh), I replied that I conceived it to be a fragment of Bulla’Akera. ‘ No, Sir, was
his prompt reply, ‘it must be Bulla hydatis—it will prove a fine addition to the
Fauna of Ireland. On again letting down the dredge, we obtained larger fragments,
which you see placed on the card precisely as we found them ; and by continuing the
course to the head of the inlet, we had the guod fortune to obtain the perfect shell, as
seen in this bottle, with the animal; it contained about twenty specimens. We were
unable to return by the same course from the shoaling of the water, otherwise I could
have ascertained the exact locality of our prize; and JT have no hesitation in saying,

Society of British Entomologists. 4007

that if ever I am permitted to revisit Birterbie Bay, I shall be able to find Bulla hy-
datis. This circumstance brings to mind the wonderful perception recorded of some
paleontologist, who, from seeing a fragment of a tooth, was enabled to construct and
bring to life, as it were, an animal of gigantic frame, which inhabited the surface of
our earth in bygone ages; but this was accomplished in the calm and quiet of the stu-
dy. Poor M‘Alla made a near approach to this marvellous act of induction, but under
very different cireumstances—immersed in a mass of mud and slime, and tossed about
by the swelling of an angry sea ; however, it is to him alone that the credit of making
this interesting addition to the Fauna of Ireland is due.

“On the last occasion when I had the pleasure of bringing before the notice of
the Society some notes on the turnstone, the subject was so intimately associated with
the memory of the late William Thompson, that I availed myself of the oppurtunity
of recording the high estimation in which it is held by the lovers of Natural History ;
a similar melancholy task now falls to my lot in mentioning the name of William
M‘Alla, a most distinguished and enthusiastic naturalist, who, with indomitable zeal,
unaided by fortune, has achieved a reputation in the science of Natural History sel-
dom equalled, certainly never surpassed — the several recent standard works on the
various branches connected with that science attest this most amply. I select the fore-
going incident from a multitude, to exhibit the wonderful quickness of his perception.
I had, with Mr. M‘Alla, visited the various collections, both private and public, of na-
tive shells in the metropolis and elsewhere, and in all we found specimens of Bulla
hydatis; but never could obtain from the proprietors or collectors the locality from
whence procured, in fact, when pressed, the answer given was that the specimens were
English. It is true that Mr. Thompson, in his ‘Fauna of Ireland,’ indicates the point
where this mollusk is to be found; but on asking him for the precise spot, he was
unable to point it out, and candidly stated that he had never seen the shell with its
animal alive ; at the same time he remarked that it would be a great desideratum to
obtain it.”

Mr. Andrews observed that the indefatigable researches of Dr. Farran, and of the
late William M‘Alla weré well known. They had obtained from the west coast, parti-
cularly from the bays and inlets of Connemara, a larger number of the Mollusca and
Crustacea, many new to the Fauna of the country, than any other naturalists. The
beautiful Melobesia Agariciformis owed its discovery to Dr. Farran. He trusted that
as the Museum of the Society was in progress of arrangement, some of his discoveries
would be contributed by Dr. Farran.

Mr. Kinahan read a paper “ On the Classification and Nomenclature of Ferns.”

Wm. M‘Dougall, Esq., of Howth, was nominated as a member.

Proceedings of the Society of British Entomologists.

June 7, 1853.—Mr. HaArpine, President, in the chair.

It was remarked by several members, that in consequence of the backward state of
vegetation, owing to the coldness of the weather, many of our early insects did not ap-
pear at all, and others were at least two or three weeks later than usual.

The President observed that he could corroborate these remarks from his own ex-
perience. For example, he took some fine specimens of Semiophora gothica at the

4008 Entomological Club. Quadrupeds.

end of May, and many others were at least a month later than at other seasons, and
some common species he had not observed at all; while some of the scarcer kinds had
made their appearance in greater numbers than usual, for instance, Macaria nota-
ria, Bapta taminaria, and some others. The butterflies seemed unusually scarce; he
had seen but one specimen of Hamearis Lucina, although he had been in the woods
nearly every day. He had no doubt, from what he had heard, that entomologists ge-
nerally had met with great disappointment this year up to the present time.

Mr. Harding exhibited a box of insects taken during the past month, containing,
among others, the following :—Trochilium Cynipiformis, T. Culiciformis, Sesia Bom-
byliformis, Lobophora sexalisata, Melanippe hastaria, Bapta taminaria, B. temeraria,
and Ephyra Omicronaria.

Boxes of insects were likewise exhibited by several other members.

Mr. Miller was proposed as a member by Mr. Dalman.

In the Report fur May (Zool. 3924), for Lithocolletis alnipaliella read L. alnifo
liella—J. T. N.

The Entomological Club.

The usual annual field-day of this little Association was held at Birch Wood, on
Thursday, the 7th of July. The following Members and Visitors dined together, Mr.
S. Stevens presiding : — Mr. Bennett, Mr. Bevington, Mr. Birkett, F.L.S., Mr. Bow-
erbank, F.R.S., &c., Mr. Collingwood, Mr. Cuming, F.L.S., Mr. Deane, Pres. Pharm.
Soc., Dr. De la Rue, F.R.S., &c., Mr. W. De la Rue, Mr. George, Mr. Gratton,
F.R.B.S., Mr. Hanson, Mr. Hirst, Mr. R. Hudson, F.R.S., &c., Mr. Hutchinson, Mr.
Janson, F.L.S., Mr. Keddell, Mr. Marchant, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Newman,
F.L.S., Pres. Ent. Soc., Mr. Powle, Mr. Salmon, F.L.S., Mr. Saunders, F.R.S., V.P.
Ent. Soc., Mr. Scott, Mr. Smee, F.R.S., Mr. Stevens, F.L.S., Mr. Tebbs, Dr. Tyndall,
F.R.S., &c., Mr. Wakefield, F.L.S., &c., Mr. Wenham, Mr. Harrison Weir, Mr.
Woodward, F.R.S., &c., Mr. Van Voorst, F.L.S., &e., and Mr. Yarrell, V.P.L.S., &e.

Note on the Carnivorous Propensities of the Hedgehog. — The following anecdote,
for the accuracy of which I vouch, is not much in accordance with the term “ harm-
less hedgehog” which occurs in the Rev. A. C. Smith’s paper in the June number
‘ (Zool. 3903). Attached to the foreman’s cottage, on the farm of a relative of mine, is
the hen-house. Not long since, hearing a very unusual commotion amongst the in-
mates of the latter, the man went to ascertain the cause ; and on entering the place,
he found it to proceed chiefly from a nearly full-grown pullet, which was struggling
on the ground. On closer inspection, he found that the thigh of the fowl was firmly
held by the jaws of a hedgehog, which was very unwilling to relinquish its hold. IT
scarcely need add that the latter suffered the penalty of death for its temerity. — J.
Catchpool, jun. ; Colchester, June 16, 1853.

Quadrupeds. ANO9

Observations on the Harmlessness of the Hedgehog.
By the Rev. ALFRED CHARLES SMITH.

Mr. Carcupoo., in his note on the hedgehog (Zool. 4008), seems
to take exception to the epithet “ harmless” as applied by me to that
animal; and, in support of his opinion, gives a strong instance of the
carnivorous propensities of Master Piggy. Fearing, therefore, lest
silence should imply consent to the inferences derived by Mr. Catch-
pool from his discovery that a hedgehog dined on fow],—first, that he
was therefore anything but harmless; and, secondly, that he was in
consequence worthy of death,—IJ must ask leave to say a few words
in his defence, as I should be extremely sorry to see so interesting an
animal doomed to even greater persecution than he already receives
at the hands of the thoughtless and ignorant.

Now, when I called the hedgehog “harmless,” I was perfectly aware
that he was occasionally carnivorous. I believe his appetite embra-
ces a great variety of food; he is well known to eat snakes, worms,
slugs, snails, frogs, toads, beetles, insects and mice, in addition to va-
rious roots, acorns, and other wild fruits, when they have fallen to the
ground. ‘These things I consider to form his every-day diet; but 1
acknowledge, at the same time, that he will occasionally eat a young
rabbit, and, it seems, a young fowl, when he can find one; perhaps,
too, we must sometimes add to his bill of fare, a few eggs, and, in one
case, even bees, (Zool. 2637): though his most bitter foe will hardly
desire the destruction of his race for this peculiar propensity in an
individual.

Assuming then that noxious reptiles, insects, roots and fallen fruits
form his customary food, I would beg his accusers, in condemning
him for an occasional error, not to lose sight of his virtues. There
are many notices of him in the ‘ Zoologist,’ proving him to be a deter-
mined destroyer of venomous reptiles ; and though, in all honesty, I
must own there are also therein several records of his carnivorous ©
habits, these seem to be exceptional cases, occurring from lack of
his ordinary food, and only proving how omnivorous an animal he is.
Indeed, even Mr. Catchpool, had he considered the hedgehog as es-
sentially a destructive carnivorous animal, and viewed him in the same
light in which we are apt to look upon the fox, the weasel, and the
polecat, would scarcely have thought it necessary to record his inva-
sion of the hen-house, and his sanguinary attack on the pullet. But
I do hope that an occasional fault will not alone be remembered, and

XI. 2P

4010 Quadrupeds.

his many good deeds be forgotten. Surely, it would be hard to con-
demn his race, and take from him his good name, because he has been
known to have satisfied his hunger with forbidden food! Why, at
this rate, what living creature can escape? Certainly not man, who
from the days of Adam has transgressed through greediness; and
there is scarcely a species of beast, bird, fish, reptile or insect, but
has occasionally been guilty of atrocious cruelty, amounting sometimes
to murder, and sometimes even to cannibalism, and all the effect of
ungovernable hunger.

I own that the hedgehog is a great favourite with me. Asa boy, I
have on several occasions carried one home from the woods, and con-
fined him in a rabbit-hutch for a time, where he would soon lose his
natural timidity, and come out of his dark corner to be fed: and I
now have a family group of old and young, stuffed, and forming a very
pretty case. I know no animal which always gave me a greater idea
of innocence than the much maligned and persecuted little hedgehog.
To see him come trotting down the path in a summer evening’s ram-
ble through the silent woods, to stand aside and watch him, ignorant
of your presence, smelling, and snuffing, and poking his nose among
the leaves and grass, and jogging on in his quiet way; and then to
call to mind the absurd tales of his cow-sucking propensities, still
firmly believed by most of our labourers, and his persecution conse-
quent thereon, is surely enough to excite compassion in his accusers,
and pity, “ near akin to love.” And then, if you suddenly make him
aware of your presence, his only defence is to retire within himself:
he has no notion of doing battle in self-defence ; he knows he cannot
escape by flight ; so he rolls himself into a ball and awaits the result.
It is said that even the worm when trodden on will turn on the aggres-
sor, but not so the hedgehog; he meets the heavy blow, the deadly
kick, the murderous attack of his cruel persecutors, with an enduring
patience and silent resignation enough to cause remorse in the breast
of his foe.

Respecting this curious habit of rolling himself up into a ball, and pre-
senting on all sides a bristling array of spines, Pliny tells us that hence
he derives his Latin name “ Echinus”: —“ Nomen habet azo rod éxew
éavtov, quod convolutus ita se condat et contineat, ut nullz carnes ap-
pareant ; vel azo tot un divacbos exeobar, quod teneri minimé possit ob
aculeos, quibus totus inhorrescit et contegitur: unde echinum voca-
runt spinosum castanee operculum.”—Plin. lib. 27, cap. 9.

But to return once more to his defence. Surely, when we consider his
retiring disposition, for he is essentially a crepuscular animal, seldom

Quadrupeds. 4011

making his appearance till evening; the locality he prefers, a thick
wood, from which he rarely emerges but to trot round the hedge-rows
in search of food; his natural timidity, never venturing out till all is
still, and ever and anon stopping to listen ; his customary diet, such
as I have above described, and with which no one can find fault, I
think he well deserves to be called “harmless,” although an instance
may here and there occur of his forgetfulness of his natural shyness,
and his intrusion into the hen-house.

The barn-owl and tawny owl were once supposed to be guilty of
endless enormities, and were ranked amongst the most destructive and
noxious of birds ; but since Mr. Waterton’s admirable Essays in their
defence, no naturalist can be found so bold as to question their inno-
cence, though in those very Essays one is shown to have occasionally
varied his diet with game and the other with fish. I wish the hedge-
hog had been treated to a whole Essay to himself from the same
inimitable pen; but, as it is, I would draw attention to the phrase,
“ harmless little creature,” as applied to the hedgehog by that prince
of naturalists: and the author of the ‘Journal of a Naturalist’ de-
scribes it as “the most harmless and least obtrusive creature in
existence.”

In conclusion, let me remark of the latter part of Mr. Catchpool’s
account, that though perhaps the death of the hedgehog was the only
result to be expected from the man when he discovered the attack on
his poultry, yet it is refreshing to find that such dire vengeance does
not always follow the discovery of poor piggy’s peccadilloes ; for in a
former number (Zool. 1634) we read that when caught in the act of
devouring eggs, he was only removed from the scene of his festivities,
but was still permitted to enjoy his liberty. This humane sparer of
the poor hedgehog in the midst of his many foes, was a very Hyper-
mnestra among the Danaides: and when he carried forth the prickly
ball to a distance from his house, he may have addressed him in the
words of that exemplary young lady : —

“T; velut nacte vitulos leene
Singulos (eheu !) lacerant ; ego illis
Mollior, nec te feriam, neque intra

Claustra tenebo.
I, pedes quo te rapiunt, et aure,
Dum favet Nox, et Venus: i secundo
Omine.”

And we may conceive with what a grunt of satisfaction the poor hedge-
pig must have listened to these immortal lines of the poet, and with

4012 Quadrupeds.

what alacrity he must have bustled home and related his adventures
to his family, when he found that the coast was clear, and he might
venture to unroll.

ALFRED CHARLES SMITH.

Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
August 10, 1853.

Vespertilio emarginatus. — In Mr. Couch’s interesting paper on bats (Zool. 3936),
this species is incidentally mentioned without any comment on its rarity, or rather, on
its slender claim to a place in the British Fauna. It is said by the original describer,
M. Geoffroy, that M. Alexander Brongniart took a single specimen in the English
Channel; and he adds, on this very insufficient evidence, that the species is ‘ assez
commune en Angleterre.” The species which has received this name in Mr. Jenyns’
‘Manual,’ is V. Daubentonii of Leisler; and Mr. Bell, at the time of publishing his
‘ British Quadrupeds,’ had no further information on the subject. Its claim to rank
as a British species has therefore been generally ignored; and as its reintroduction by
Mr. Couch is a matter of great interest, perhaps that gentleman will obligingly give
some further particulars respecting it—Hdward Newman.

Occurrence of the Reddish Gray Bat (Vespertilio Nattereri) in Ireland.—I have to
record the occurrence of the reddish gray bat (Vespertilio Natterert) at Levitstown, on
the confines of the counties of Kildare and Queen’s; at which place I was fortunate
enough, in company with F. Haughton, Esq., to procure no less than nine full-grown
specimens of this bat, and one of Vespertilio Pipistrellus. Seven of them, and the
pipistrelle, were captured with a butterfly-net when coming out of a hole in the abut-
ment of Tankardstown Bridge, which here crosses the Barrow: the other two speci-
mens were shot by Mr. Haughton, as they were flying down the river. The following
notes of their capture may be useful. The hole out of which the specimens were pro-
cured is situated about 4 feet above the water’s edge, and seems to contain a large
colony of these interesting little animals, as the edges of all the stones around the hole
are polished with their running overthem. I was led to watch the hole by my friend’s
saying he had been told that fifty-three bats were seen coming out of the hole at one
time, and that he himself had counted thirty-five and upwards. Accordingly, on the
23rd of June, at half-past 8 o’clock in the evening, we repaired to the bridge, and even
at that early hour the squeaking and chirping that proceeded from the hole was asto-
nishing. This evening we captured two specimens of V. Nattereri and the pipistrelle.
The former began to fly at about half-past 9, the pipistrelle about half an hour later.
We counted forty-one bats coming out, and even then there were numbers remaining
in the hole, if we might judge from the chirping coming from it. The next evening
was harsh and clondy, and only twenty-nine bats came out: all those captured this
evening were V. Nattereri, as V. Pipistrellus was too cunning, and dodged the net.
The first bat came out of the hole at about half-past 9: about half an hour previously,
however, bats came up the river, doubtless either from the ruins of an old church, or
from Levitstown mill. The evening becoming more tempestuous, V. Nattereri began
to return to the nests at 10, flying about and almost striking us. It was quite pos-
sible to distinguish V. Nattereri from V. Pipistrellus, both on wing and when coming

Quadrupeds. 4013

out of their nests, — the former flying nearly straight out, while the latter crept to the
edge of the stones, and letting himself fall from thence, flew off. When flying, V.
Nattereri did not make such rapid turns as the pipistrelle, nor did it appear so wary :
T also remarked that when V. Nattereri was struck into the water, he floundered there
for awhile so as to allow me to catch him, whilst the pipistrelle just touched the water
and was off. The cry of the pipistrelle is much shriller than that of the other species,
and there is an unmistakably offensive smell arising from it, which I did not perceive
from V. Nattereri. The next evening was rainy and stormy, and only one bat came
out, but a strange one was seen on the river: all was quiet at the hole when we left at
about half-past 10. The 27th was a wet day, but cleared up towards evening: only
seventeen bats came out. We found that they had grown very wary, and would not
come out unless all was quiet; and every time the gunwale of the boat touched the
pier of the bridge, there was heard a cry of alarm, very different from their ordinary
chirp. They had also learned how to dodge the net, and took a good look out before
they ventured to emerge, in several cases running back into the hole as soon as they
perceived the net. Whilst the bats were in my possession, I remarked that the tem-
pers of the two were very different, — V. Nattereri being gentle, and more quicky re-
conciled to confinement, allowing me to handle it without any attempt to bite, whilst
the pipistrelle was both more restless and impatient, and, when handled, it squeaked
and bit furiously ; he also squealed whilst running over the side of the net, which I
did not notice Natterer’s bat doing. Both bats, when climbing, used the exserted
portion of the tail as an additional hand. I should say, that of the bats which I saw
coming out of the hole, the proportions of the two species were as follow : —
June 23. Vespertilio Nattereri, 27. Vespertilio Pipistrellus, 14.

i141 Qe iis sets gg La i 9.

ids: “aNagg fh ey 1

alr a oh 11. ne oe 6.
So that it would appear that V. Nattereri is the commoner of the two. Description
and dimensions :—Dentition :—Incisors, § ; Canines, $; False molars, §; Molars, $.
Dimensions in inches and twelfths of an inch:—Head and body, male, 2; female, 2.1:
tail, male, 1.4; female, 1.3: humerus, 1: ears .7: tragus, .3: breadth of ears across
the under surface, .4: spread of wings, male, 9.103; female,10. Tragus narrow-
lanceolate, with a lobe at the base: ears naked half waydown. Back, head, shoulders
and face dark reddish gray, base of hairs bluish gray: along the angle of the jaws
dark reddish gray: belly whitish gray, roots of hairs nearly black, lightest in the cen-
tre: around the anus white: interfemoral light dusky, lines very numerous, covered
with scattered hairs, and fringed with a margin of stiffish hairs, Claws large and
clumsy, ciliated with strong white hairs. Whiskers long and stiff; a slight moustache
of dark, nearly black, velvety hairs on the upper lip. All the specimens, with the ex-
ception of two, were females: the male specimen in my possession is smaller than any
of the females, it is also darker on the under surface, especially along the wings; one
of the females had a full-grown foetus in her uterus. This is the second record of the
occurrence of this bat in Ireland, one specimen having been captured by G. Maryan,
Esq., in 1844, near Enniskerry, Wicklow, and by him presented to the Dublin Natural
History Society, in whose collection it now is, (see Report of the Society, 1844, p. 18).
—John Robert Kinahan ; Dublin, July, 1853.

4014 Birds.

Inquiry respecting the unknown Egys lately found near Norwich.—Allow me to ask
your correspondent who supplied the note on the above eggs (Zool. 3981), whether the
common kingfish€r (Alcedo Ispida) is found on the Norwich river, as the description
of the eggs given by him tallies exactly, except in number, with a nest of eggs of that
bird taken near Miltown, on the Dodder, and which I saw. Their identification is
rendered the more difficult from your correspondent’s not being able to describe the
nest ; but perhaps further inquiry might procure this information. — J. R. Kinahan ;
Sea-view Terrace, Donnybrook, August, 1853.

Occurrence of the Golden Oriole (Oriolus Galbula) at Eltham.—A beautiful exam-
ple of the golden oriole was shot on the 14th of this month, at Eltham, in Kent, by
Mr. Joiner, of Crown Manor Cottage, Eltham, and is now in my possession. Colour of
bill dark red; head and back yellow; tail-coverts rich yellow; throat and breast yellow-
ish white ; tail yellowish black, tipped with rich yellow. Length 10 inches. — James
Bramley ; 9, Winchester Street, Waterloo Town, Bethnal Green, June 19, 1853.

Note on the Thrush Warbler, (Sylvia turdoides). — The specimen of the thrush
warbler which you saw in the flesh, was caught at Dagenham, in Essex, on the 16th
of June, 1853.—J. Green ; Naturalist, 1, East Road, City Road, July, 1853.

Correction of a previous Error respecting the Fire-crested Regulus. — I am anxious
to correct at once a mistake into which I had fallen when I recorded the fire-crest as
having been shot in the Isle of Wight in July, (Zool. 2526). This correction is the
more desirable, since all the birds of this species hitherto seen in England, with the
single exception of the young bird recorded by Mr. Jenyns, have occurred in the win-
ter months, from November to March; and my erroneous record might seem to favour
the opinion that the bird builds in this country, a fact scarcely yet established. My
mistake arose from finding a bird, apparently young, from the yellow skin at the gape,
and yet with a crest more brilliant than that of an adult male gold-crest with which it
was compared, while the form and character of the bill and tail appeared to agree
with the description of the young fire-crest. From what I have since learned, I be-
lieve my bird to have been a young gold-crest in its second plumage. — A. G. More ;
Bembridge, Isle of Wight, August 6, 18538.

Note on the Nest of the Great Tit (Parus major) built in a Pump.—A pair of great
tits built their nest this spring in the hollow of my pump, which is a bored tree, with
the handle let into a slit in the side, and at about 6 inches from the top, over which
is nailed a flat piece of wood as a permanent covering. The bird® gained access to
the inside of the pump by means of the slit which admits the handle, and formed their
nest nearly 2 feet down the bore, so that it could be barely reached at arm’s length.
I had known of the existence of the nest for nearly a fortnight, as the birds were con-
tinually seen passing in and out of the pump, but I wished it to remain undisturbed,
until so many complaints were made that the water always contained particles of dirt
and weeds, and was unfit for use, that I was compelled to remove the nest. It was
found to contain twelve fine full-fledged birds, three of which escaped during its re-
moval; the others being put into a basket, with the idea that the old ones would con-
tinue to feed them while in confinement, but they all escaped through a very small
aperture in the basket early on the following morning. The nest was sustained in its
place in the pump, which is 6} inches in the bore, by a mass of vegetable matter,
such as twigs, dried grass, and especially the somewhat elastic roots of the couch
grass (Triticwm repens), of which it chiefly consisted. These appeared to have been

Birds. 4015

dropped into the pump piece by piece, and allowed to mingle together; but as they
approached the nest they were gradually more firmly arranged, and at length much
interwoven, so as to form a firm resting-place for the nest itself. There was nothing

_. whatever in the pump to which they could be attached, but the bore Was rather roughly

executed ; and this circumstance, together with the elasticity of the roots employed,
appear to have been all that the birds relied on for the support of their nest and young
ones. The whole structure must have occupied nearly 3 feet of the bore, as a hooked
walking-stick was necessary to reach and extract the mass of roots. The strangest
part of the affair is, that at every stroke of the pump, which is in constant use for house-
hold purposes, the rod passes up and down by the side of the nest, and being a com-
mon single action, it oscillates towards the centre of the nest fully an inch at each
stroke, so that it must have materially disturbed the birds during the period of incu-
bation. They were very bold, and would freely enter the pump in the presence of any
member of the family. The spot is retired, and much shaded by yew-trees and other
foliage.—Geo. Fitt ; Ipswich Road, Norwich, July, 1853.

“ On the Habits and Structure of the Great Bustard, (Otis tarda, Lin.)” — A pa-
per by Mr. Yarrell, bearing the above title, was read before the Linnean Society on
the 18th of January, 1853, of which the following is an abstract: — ‘‘ The particulars
relating to the habits of the bustard are derived from the communications of several
friends, who have had opportunities of observing it both in England and elsewhere.
The first notice is from C. A. Nicholson, Esq., of Balrath Kells, in the county of Meath,
and furnishes remarks on the habits of the bird as observed by him in the neighbour-
hood of Seville, where it appears to be extremely abundant, the males beginning to
atrive in the cultivated country at the beginning of February, in flocks varying (ac-
cording to Mr. Nicholson’s observations) from seven to fifty-three; the old birds always
associating together, and those of a year old, which are much smaller, never mixing
with them: the young birds have neither beard nor pouch. The females do not ar-
rive till the beginning of April, and come singly, or at most in pairs; the flocks of
males then break up, and are met with in parties of three or four, or even singly, spread-
ing their tails on a fine day like turkey-cocks, drooping their wings and expanding their
pouches. The sexes appear to live quite separate. In May, the cocks entirely disap-
pear from the cultivated lands, retiring to the extensive grass marshes on the banks
of the Guadalquivir, and leaving the hens behind them. The young are hatched in
the corn-plains about Seville, and are able to take care of themselves when the corn is
cut in July, aftery which the young birds and hens follow the cocks to the marshes.
The birds are very difficult to shoot: the heaviest shot by Mr. Nicholson weighed 28
Ibs.; and the largest measured 7 feet 3 inches from tip to tip of wing. Those of a
year old weigh from 8 to 10 fbs., and are much the best eating. Their stomachs were
found crammed with barley, both leaves and ears, with the leaves of a large-leaved
green weed, and with a kind of beetle. When flushed, they generally fly for two or
more miles, and sometimes at least 100 yards high. They never try torun, and Mr.
Nicholson cannot imagine greyhounds being able to catch bustards, as they are re-
ported to have done. Mr. John Wolley, jun., states that he had never seen the great
bustard, or received its eggs, from the neighbourhood of Tangier. While ascending
the Guadalquivir, about the month of September, he saw several flocks of four or five
birds each, on the level plains which extend along the banks of that river, walking ap-
parently in file, some with their heads down. They did not appear to be timid, or very
cautious ; but once, as the boat came suddenly round a corner, several of them rose

4016 Birds.

together, springing hastily to the height of 40 or 50 feet, and then turning suddenly
and somewhat clumsily, after a few more rapid strokes, sailed along with the arched
form of wings so general in game birds. Mr. Yarrell’s next notice is derived from a
letter in the possession of John Britton, Esq., giving an account of two bustards seen
on Salisbury Plain in the summer of 1801, within a fortnight of each other, both of
which attacked mounted horsemen, and one of which was captured and kept for some
time by Mr. J. Bartley, of Tilstead, by whom it was eventually sold to Lord Temple.
The letter gives numerous details of the habits of this bird from the information of
Mr. Bartley. J.H. Gurney, Esq., of Norwich, states in a letter to Mr. Yarrell, that,
as far as he can learn, the last bustard killed in Norfolk was a female, which was shot
at Lexham, near Swaffham, towards the end of the year 1838. The small flock of
which this was one, had for several years consisted of females only, the eggs of which
were frequently picked up, having been dropped about at random in consequence of
the absence of male birds, the latter having become extinct at an earlier date. Fredk.
J. Nash, Esq., of Bishop’s Stortford, has several times informed Mr. Yarrell, that
when taking the field as a young sportsman, he once saw nine flights of bustards in
one day, not far from Thetford, in Norfolk. And Gilbert White, of Selborne, men-
tions in his Diary, under date of November 17, 1782, that being at a lone farm-house
between Whorwell and Winchester, the carter told him that about twelve years before,
he had seen a flock of eighteen bustards at one time on that farm. Three instances
only of the appearance of the bustard in England have been noticed by Mr. Yarrell
since the publication of the second edition of his ‘ History of British Birds ;’ one, a
female, recorded by G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., of the British Museum, as occurring to
him in August, 1849, on Salisbury Plain; a second, also a female, shot at Lydd, in
Romney Marsh, in January, 1850, and now in the possession of Dr. Plomley, F.L.S.;
and the third, shot on the 31st of December, 1851, in Devonshire, and now in the pos-
session of J. G. Newton, Esq., of Millaton Bridestow. Mr. Yarrell proceeds to state
that he had long wished to have an opportunity of examining the body of a male bus-
tard, for the purpose of inspecting the gular pouch described by Daines Barrington in
his ‘ Miscellanies, 1781, and by Edwards in his ‘Gleanings of Natural History,’ 1811,
and thence copied both by Bewick and himself; but no opportunity for so doing
occurred until recently. About four years ago the Zoological Society obtained from
Germany six or seven young bustards, and one of these (a male) died within a year.
The body was examined by Mr. Mitchell and himself, and no gular pouch was found,
but this was then attributed to the youth of the bird. In December last another male
of this flock, believed to be four years old, died at the Zoological Gardens, and was
also examined by Mr. Yarrell. The neck was carefully dissected ; but there was no
opening under the tongue, and he entirely failed in various attempts to distend any
part of the membranes either by fluid or by air. Thus disappointed in his expectation
of finding what had been so minutely described, Mr. Yarrell turned to the translation
of the anatomical descriptions of the animals dissected by the Royal Academy of Sci-
ences at Paris at the end of the seventeenth century, and found the results of the dis-
section of six male bustards there given to correspond entirely with his own observations.
He found also that Cuvier, in his ‘ Legons d’ Anatomie Comparée,’ refers to no peculi-
arity in the neck of the male bustard. Professor Owen also entirely confirmed the
fact of the absence of any gular pouch by his own dissection of a full-grown bustard,’
made with the view of obtaining a preparation of that supposed structure for the Mu-
seum of the College of Surgeons. Mr. Yarrell is therefore disposed to consider that

Birds. AQI7T

there must have been some mistake on the part of the writers quoted, as to the species
of bird in which that pouch was observed.” — From the‘ Proceedings of the Linnean
Society, p. 207.

Note on Woodcocks nesting in Sutherlandshire, and carrying their Young in their
Claws. —‘‘ As I know the interest you feel in birds, I send you a statement of what I
saw among the woodcocks in Sutherland, where I was during the month of May; and .
though I have seen as much of woodcocks in Norfolk as most men, I saw more of them
in one month in Scotland than I had ever seen before. The wood where they were most
common was a birch-wood, of large extent, on the side of a hill sloping down to the river
Sheen: there were a good many marshy places in it, but generally speaking it was dry,
and the under-cover mostly heather. My first introduction to them happened thus:—
On crossing a grassy plain in the centre of the wood, I saw an old bird fly up with a
young one in her claws. I was so near that there could be no mistake about it; and
on going to the place whence she rose, I found two more young ones squatting toge-
ther, but no signs of a nest. The young birds were about half grown, and unable to
fly. On taking them up they uttered a very shrill note, almost as sharp as that of a
bat, which was answered by the mother; and on putting them down they ran to a short
distance, where they were joined by the old bird. At three different times I saw the
old bird carrying a young one. Her flight was always low and heavy, and exactly
like that of a hawk with a bird in its claws. On one occasion, late in the evening, I
saw a woodcock cross the road where I was walking, carrying a young one down the
hill-side to the river, and return almost immediately alone. As I thought that proba-
bly she was going to fetch the rest of the young ones, I watched carefully, but owing
to the darkness most probably missed seeing her, though after a few minutes I saw a
bird return from the river-side to the hill, in the same track as the former bird had
followed, and have little doubt she had taken down another young one, though I had
failed to see her pass. It is the common opinion among the keepers &c., that the old
birds carry their young ones regularly to feed, and bring them back again in the morn-
ing. Woodcocks are very abundant, and almost every evening, at dusk, I saw a con-
siderable number flying off to feed. They generally flew round the wood once or twice
before they went off, making a most extraordinary rumbling sort of noise, the last one
would suppose a woodcock capable of making. The keeper told me that he constantly
found nests of the woodcock, and seemed to think about as much of them as we do of
a blackbird’s nest.”— E. C. Buzton.*

Note on a Wingless Bird said to inhabit the Island of Tristan d’ Acunha. — My
friend Mr. F. Strange, of Sydney, lately mentioned to me in a letter which he wrote
from Sydney, that he had recently met a person who was conversant with the island
of Tristan d’Acunha, and who stated that a wingless bird was found on that island,
which was eaten by sailors and others visiting it, and who called the bird the “Island-
hen.” Mr. Strange’s letter gave no further particulars ; but should any of the readers
of the ‘ Zoologist’ at any time have the means of making inquiries on this curious
subject, I trust the opportunity will not be neglected, either by them, or by any orni-
thologists who may chance to have communication with this remote island. —J. H.
Gurney ; Lowestoft, July 25, 1853.

* In a letter to J. H. Gurney, Esq., by whom, with Mr. Buxton’s kind permission,
it has been communicated to the ‘ Zoologist.’

XI. 2 @

4018 Reptiles.— Fishes.

Note on a Large Viper.—In a “ Note on Large Snakes” inserted in the April num-
ber (Zvol. 3849), I mentioned that the largest viper I had ever measured was 2 feet 1
inch in length. On the 24th of this month I captured one with my butterfly-net, in
the Holt, near here, which proved to be exactly 2 feet 3 inches long: its girth also
exceeded that of any other viper I have ever seen. I have stuffed it as a curiosity.—

« William Henry Hawker ; Horndean, Hants, June 28, 1853.

Catalogue of the Fishes of Orkney and Zetland.
By Wi.i1aM Batrour Batrkiz, M.D.

(Concluded from page 3952).

Order VII.— ANACANTHINI.
Sub-order.— Thoracici.

Pleuronectide.

Plaice, Platessa vulgaris. Abundant.

Flounder, Platessa flesus. Very common.

Common Dab, Platessa limanda. Tolerably frequent.

Lemon Dab, Platessa microcephala. One obtained by Dr. Duguid
in August, 1848.

Holibut, Hippoglossus vulgaris. Common.

Turbot, Psetta maxima. Not rare.

Brill, Psetta vulgaris. Rare.

Muller’s Top-knot, Psetta hirta. Several specimens have been
obtained in Orkney.

Bloch’s Top-knot, Psetta punctata. One specimen procured in
Zetland by Professor Fleming.

Sole, Solea vulgaris. Rare.

Brosmiide.
Torsk, Brosmius vulgaris. Rare in Orkney, abundant in Zetland.
Merluccide.
1. Merlucciine.
Hake, Merluccius vulgaris. Not common.
2. Lotine.

Ling, Lota molva. Common.

Fishes. 4019

Three-bearded Rockling, Motella vulyaris. One specimen obtained
at Stromness a few years ago.
Five-bearded Rockling, Motella Mustela. Very common.
Gadide.

Cod, Morrhua vulgaris. Very abundant.

Haddock, Morrhua Aiglefinus. Common.

Whiting Pout, Morrhua lusca. Occurs in Zetland.

Poor Cod, Morrhua minuta. Two specimens obtained at Kirk-
wall in August, 1851.

Whiting, Merlangus vulgaris. Not common.

Coal-fish, Merlangus carbonarius. Extremely abundant.

Pollack, Merlangus Pollachius. Common.

Sub-order.—Apodes.

Ophidide.
Sand Eel, Ammodytes Tobianus. Rare.
Sand Launce, Ammodytes Lancea. Common.

Order VIII.—PHARYNGOGNATHI.

Sub-order.— Acanthopterygit.
Cyclo-Labride.

Ballan Wrasse, Labrus maculatus. Not common.

Gilt-head, Crenilabrus melops. Rare.

Small-mouthed Wrasse, Acantholabrus exoletus. Two specimens
caught in Kirkwall Bay in December, 1850.

Sub-order.— Malacopterygii.

Scomberesocide.

Gar-fish, Belone vulgaris. Not uncommon.
Saury Pike, Scomberesox Saurus. Rare.

Order [X.—MALACOPTERI.

Sub-order.— Abdominales.

Salmonide.

Salmon, Salmo Salar. Rare.
Gray Trout, Salmo eriox. Rare.

4020 Fishes.

Salmon Trout, Salmo Trutta. Abundant.

Common Trout, Salmo Fario. Abundant.

Charr, Salmo Salvelinus. Rare. Three specimens obtained in
Waas, in 1832, by J. E. Heddle, Esq.

Argentine, Scopelus Humboldtit. Several specimens have been
procured during the last few years by Dr. Duguid and Mr. R. Heddle.

Clupeide.
Herring, Clupea Harengus. Abundant.

Sub-order.—Apodes.

Murenide.

Sharp-nosed Eel, Anguilla acutirostris. Common.

Broad-nosed Eel, Anguilla latirostris. Less common: first iden-
tified in Orkney by Dr. Duguid.

Conger, Conger vulgaris. Common.

Order X.—DERMOPTERI.

Sub-order.— Cyclostomi.

Petromyzontide.

Sea Lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. A specimen occurred several
years years ago at Stromness, and one has since been obtained by Dr.
Duguid.

Wm. BaLrour BalkIE.

Haslar Hospital, July 20, 1853.

Note on Tench and Pike. — It is generally considered amongst keepers and fisher-
men that the tench is a fish which all others of a voracious nature, such as pike, perch,
trout, and eels, equally avoid feeding on; and the reason given is, that the slime of
the former possesses a healing quality of which other kinds of fish are aware, and that,
when wounded or ill, they resort to this physician of the waters, and, by rubbing them-
selves against the tench, extract a remedy for their ailments, for which, instead of pay-
ing any fee, they all agree in considering the former so great a benefactor that it ought
to go free, and be protected from all harm. How far it becomes one to doubt the
truth of this belief, is unnecessary to state ; but I may be excused in relating the fol-
lowing circumstance which I witnessed a few days since, and leave the conclusion to
be drawn from it to others, as to the sentiments imputed to the other kinds of fish in
abstaining from feeding on the tench. Ina pit orsmall pool at the back of the house,
it is the custom to put such fish of different kinds as are likely to be wanted for the

Radiata. 4021

table during the summer, and consequently there is a pretty good store of fish kept in
the pit, amongst which are some carp, and many good tench, varying from 1 to 4 tbs.
in weight ; and there are also a few pike put with them, of from 4 to 9 fbs., as well as
some perch, and but a few roach, for the pike tu feed on. These different kinds of
fish can be easily seen swimming about in the clear water, and the loud splash of the
pike indicates that he has seized some victim, and brought it toan untimely end. The
other day I saw, at some distance from the side of the pit, and deep in the water, a
bright shining substance slowly moving about, and which I could by no means satis-
factorily make out; but after watching it for some considerable time, and endeavour-
ing to discover its nature, I at last perceived that across the middle portion projected
a dark band, looking as if it were fastened to it and pushing it along: and this turned
out to be the head of a large pike. The latter, having seized a tench, of about 3 [bs.
weight, crossways, which it was totally unable to swallow, was gently swimming about
with its head somewhat elevated and its tail sunk lower in the water, vainly endeavour-
ing to get the tench down its throat, or to twist it round so that the head of the tench
might the more easily lead the way for the rest of its body further into the capacious
jaws of its captor; but this could not be effected. The latter therefore continued to
carry its prize slowly about the pit, as a dog would a bone. After watching the two
fish for some time while engaged in this way, I saw the pike approach the side of the
pond, and the keeper, happening to be near at hand, brought a casting-net and threw
over both; but unfortunately a bough in the water kept the net from closing, so that
the two fish escaped, and were afterwards seen in the pit still in the same position as
before, the pike retaining a firm hold of the physician. At last, however, I thought I
perceived the latter freed from the tenacious grasp of the pike, who probably finding it
impossible to devour so large a prize, let it go free, and the tench, no doubt, rejoicing
at its timely escape, considered the attack of its foe a most ungrateful return for fa-
vours conferred. This is the only instance I ever met with in which the tench was
attacked by any other fish, though I have constantly had them put, together with pike
and perch, in small stews and other places, where the absence of food for the predatory
species has induced them to seize upon almost every other living thing: all other
kinds of fish, rats, young ducks and moor-hens have fallen a sacrifice to the all-de-
vouring pike, but not the tench; and keepers always avoid setting their trimmers or
trolling for pike with a tench for a bait, alleging as a reason that no other fish will
touch it.— W. H. Slaney ; Hatton Hall, August 10, 1853.

Note on Uraster glacialis and Muller's Top-knot. — Since I sent the notice of the
occurrence of Uraster glacialis in Dalkey Sound (Zool. 3990), I have learned that it
was obtained from a rock called the Corrig, off Dalkey Island, in from 8 to 10 fathoms
water. For the notice of it, and of Muller’s top-knot, I am indebted to D. J. Corigan,
Esq., M.D., by whom they were both captured.—J. R. Kinahan ; July 16, 1853.

4022 Mollusks.

Catalogue of the Land and Fresh-water Shells inhabiting the Neigh-
bourhood of Dublin. By Wittisam WuITE WALPOLE, Esq.

QUITE coinciding in the sentiments expressed by Mr. Taylor, in
his Catalogue of the land and fresh-water shells of Aberdeenshire and
Kincardineshire (Zool. 3878), as to the utility of such local lists, I beg
to forward a list of those land and fresh-water Mollusca which I have
found inhabiting the neighbourhood of Dublin.

It would, I doubt not, have been more perfect, had not the marine
Conchology of our interesting island engaged most of my attention. I
have heard of other species having been found near Dublin, but have
included in my Catalogue none but those I have found myself, living
in the various localities specified, which are mostly within eight miles
South of our metropolis.

The nomenclature is according to Gray’s edition of Turton’s ‘ Ma-
nual of Land and Fresh-water Shells.’

Valvata piscinalis. Shangannagh river, near Killiney.

Arion ater. Common.

» hortensis. Damp gardens at Monkstown.
Limax maximus. Common.
» flavus. On walls near Booterstown and Blackrock.
», carinatus. Damp gardens at Monkstown and Killiney.
» agrestis. Common.

Helix aspersa. Common. A most curious elongated variety of
this species was found near Killiney Castle.

» hortensis. Very local in this neighbourhood ; on brambles
near Loughlinstown.

» nhemoralis. Common.

» pulchella. Old walls near Loughlinstown, and in some like
situations through this neighbourhood.

» pulchella var. In a damp meadow near Killiney.

» fusca. Little-river marsh, Killiney.

» aculeata. Among dead leaves and moss near Loughlinstown.

» hispida. Common.

. pe var. concinna. Killiney, and other places through
the neighbourhood.

» rufescens. Common.

» virgata. Very fine along the sea-coast; those found inland
much smaller.

» ericetorum. Local; not found at Killiney, but I have ob-
tained it North of our capital, at Portmarnock and elsewhere.

Mollusks. 4023

Zonites rotundatus. Common.
Fe 4 var. alba. Killiney.
» pygmeus. Little-river marsh, Killiney.
» cellarius. Common.
» purus. Rare, Killiney.
» radiatulus. Rare; in a shady wood near Loughlinstown.
» crystallinus. In a damp meadow near Killiney.
Succinea putris. Common.
i Pfeifferi. Killiney.
Bulimus obscurus. Rare ; on trees near Cherry-wood, and in an
old wall near Loughlinstown.
o acutus. Abundant along the sea-coast.
_ » vars. 6, c, and d of Turton found at Killiney.
Zua lubrica. In moss, Little-river marsh, Killiney, and elsewhere.
Pupa umbilicata. Common.

» Anglica. Rare; Little-river marsh, Killiney, and Loughlins-
town.

» Marginata. Rare; in an old wall near Loughlinstown.
Vertigo edentula. On the fronds of ferns in a shady situation, Kil-
liney. '

» Ppygmea. Rare; under limestone boulders, Loughlinstown.
», substriata. Very rare; Little-river marsh, at the roots of
rushes, &c.

» palustris. Rare; same locality as the last species.

Balea perversa. Scarce ; on beech-trees, Killiney.

Clausilia nigricans. Common.

Carychium minimum. Common in damp situations.

Limneus pereger. Very common.

és auricularius. Not common.
“ stagnalis. Pond at Portobello.
3) truncatulus. Rare; Killiney.

Amphiplea glutinosa. Rare ; Loughlinstown.

Ancylus fluviatilis. Shangannagh river.

Physa fontinalis. In a stream at Fox-rock, and at Killiney.
Aplexus hypnorum. Loughlinstown, and Little-river marsh, Kil-

liney.
Planorbis carinatus. Pond at Portobello, near Dublin.
9 marginatus. Loughlinstown.
eA contortus. Rare; Loughlinstown.

m vortex. Common.

1024 Crustacea.

Cyclas cornea. Ponds at the Ballycorns lead-works.
» lacustris. Same locality as the last, but rare.
Pisidium nitidum. Fox-rock, Killiney and Shangannagh.
mm pulchellum. Ponds at the Ballycorns lead-works.
WILLIAM WHITE WALPOLE.

Windsor Lodge, Monkstown,
Co. Dublin, July 8, 1853.

Note on Niphargus stygius, Schiodte, and other Members of the Subterranean Fauna.
“ Mr. Westwood, F.L.S., communicated a notice of the discovery in England of a new _
genus and species of Amphipodous Crustacea, the Niphargus stygius of Schiodte, an
animal hitherto only found in the caverns of Adelsberg, celebrated as the locality of
the Proteus anguinus. The Crustacean in question has been found in great numbers
in a well near Maidenhead, the water of which was in consequence rendered unfit for
use.* Mr. Westwood took occasion to remind the members of the opinion entertained
by some naturalists of the existence of a distinct subterranean Fauna, of which the
Proteus was an example: the members of which Fauna hitherto discovered were re-
markable for their general want of colour, and for their being destitute of eyes, — two
physiological conditions dependent on the dark and gloomy places where they have
hitherto been found. Mr. Kirby, in his ‘ Bridgewater Treatise, was one of those
writers who contended that such animals formed no part of the Fauna now in exist-
ence on the surface of the earth, but belonged to a distinct subterranean race of ani-
mals. M. Schiodte, in a remarkable memoir recently published in the ‘ Transactions
of the Danish Academy’ (which Dr. Wallich has kindly translated for the Entomolo-
gical Society of London, in whose Memoirs the translation has appeared), has described
a number of singular animals belonging to the class of Annulosa, exhibiting all the
characteristics of such a Fauna, being destitute of sight, and also almost or quite co-
lourless. Amongst them are the Crustacean in question, a species of spider and false
scorpion, a species of the family Poduride, and several Coleoptera, all of which were
found in the caverns of Adelsherg in Carniola. Mr. Westwood also noticed that ani-
mals very closely related to those described by Schiodte had been found in the Great
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, including also a blind species of cray-fish, and one or
more species of fishes destitute of eyes, at least wanting the transparent external cor-
nea, although the optic nerve was present, which would probably allow a certain sensi-
bility to the presence of light; and M. Schmidt had noticed that two newly discovered
species of beetles, belonging to one of Schiodte’s singular genera, although destitute
of all external rudiments of eyes, had exhibited a sensibility to light by retreating
under stones and towards the darker parts of the cavern when brought towards its
entrance. A remarkable new genus of shrimps had also been recently described by
Professor Bell in his work on the British Crustacea, dredged at a very great depth of
the ocean, of which the eyes, although present, were destitute of the usual hexagonal
facets.”—From the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society, April 19, 1853, p. 218.

* See also Proceedings of the Entomological Society, (Zool. 3923).

Insects. 4025

A Glance at the present state of our knowledge of the Coleophore.
By H. T. Stainton, Esq.

In the sciences of observation, it becomes absolutely necessary to
collect together, from time to time, all recorded observations, so as
readily to show the extent of our knowledge, and to indicate the par-
ticular points where further investigation is required.

Reaumur, who in 1737 wrote the Introduction to the Study of these
insects, in the 4th, 5th and 6th Memoirs of his third volume, makes
the following remark : —“ Though pretty common, as I have just
mentioned, I was for several years unable to find more than three or
four a year. It is, however, not uncommon to meet with elms and
oaks, on which, during the spring and summer, one can in a few hours
collect them by hundreds, when one has learnt to know them, and
where to look for them.”

The truth of this maxim is continually being confirmed by our own
experience ; and therefore, information which tends to show what to
look for, and when and where to look, becomes an essential step in
the progress of our acquaintance with these interesting insects.

The larve of the genus Coleophora all live in cases formed of the
epidermis of leaves previously mined by them, or of silk; the larve
feed on the parenchyma of leaves, attaching the case to the under side
of a leaf, and mining between the cuticles. Some species feed on
seeds ; and to this latter habit I am particularly anxious to direct at-
tention, as the seed-feeders are far more likely to escape observation,
not betraying themselves by the discoloured blotches as the leaf-feed-
ers do, and only therefore liable to be observed from the case protrud-
ing more or less from the seed-heads, seed-pods, or seeds which they
are devouring.

I shall divide the species into British, and continental which have
not yet been detected here; and shall further subdivide them as
follows:— 1. Those of which the transformations are ascertained.
2. Those of which the transformations are suspected, or, resting only
on single observations, require further investigation. And 3. Those
of which the preparatory states are not yet recorded as having been
observed. I trust the day is not far distant, when the two last subdi-
visions will be merged into the first.

A. 1. British species of which the transformations are ascertained.
Alcyonipennella, vibicella, conspicuella, Pyrrhulipennella, Tiliella,
xI. 2R

4026 » Insects.

palliatella, Currucipennella, discordella, Onosmella, Troglody-
tella, Inule, lineolea, argentula, Hemerobiella, Laricella, albi-
tarsella, nigricella, fuscedinella, Luscinizpennella, viminetella,
solitariella, and lutarea.

Aleyonipennella. The larva is found in April and May, on Cen-
taurea nigra. It is local, but widely dispersed. For figures of
the larva, case, and discoloration of the leaf, see Ent. Trans. n.s.
voli. pl. 12jf)2)

Vibicella. The larva is found in May and June, on Genista tinc-
toria. For description of the case and habits of the larva, see
the note by Mr. Weaver in the ‘ Zoologist’ (1845), p. 947. A
figure of the case is given in Westwood’s ‘ Introduction to the
Modern Classification of Insects, vol. ii. p. 405, No. 22.

Conspicuella. The larva feeds in May and June on Centaurea
Scabiosa, (on the Continent on Centaurea Jacea; see Zeller, in
Breslau Zeitschrift fiir Ent. 1850, Lepid. p. 31). Mr. 8S. Ste-
vens has twice found the larva in the hilly field at Headley Lane:
the perfect insect, as British, is still unique in Mr. Bedell’s col-
lection.

Pyrrhulipennella. The larva feeds in the autumn and spring on
Calluna and Erica. J have found it at Dartford Heath, and Mr.
Grant has found it at Wimbledon Common. For description of
the larva and case see Linn. Ent. iv. 255.

Tiliella. The larva is polyphagous ; I generally find it on sloe in
May. Reaumur has given a long account of the mode in which
this larva constructs its case of pure silk, in the 6th Memoir of
his 8rd volume; and has figured the case in pl. 16, f. 1, 2, 3.

Palliatella. The larva of this is also polyphagous; Mr. Bond,
some years back, obtained them plentifully from sallow. The
case is the most singular yet observed in this genus, and is fully
described by Reaumur in the 6th Memoir of his 3rd volume ;
he also figures it, pl. 16, figs. 6—12: (a copy of his f. 7 is given
in Westwood’s Introd. to the Mod. Classif. of Insects, i. 405,
No. 21).

Currucipennella. The larva feeds on oaks in May. Mr. Double-
day occasionally meets with it at Epping. Mr. Douglas bred a
specimen in 1842, as recorded in the ‘ Entomologist’ (385) un-
der the name of ornatipennella. Reaumur was acquainted with
this species, and has figured the case, pl. 16, f. 18, 14.

Discordella. The larve feed on Lotus corniculatus in May, and
has been found in tolerable plenty by Mr. Shield, near Dublin.

Insects. », 4027

Mr. Shield discovered the larva in the spring of 1852, and this
year supplied me with 300 of them, of which, having reared a
fair per-centage without obtaining a single specimen of Satura-
tella, I feel convinced that the latter is a distinct species.

Onosmella, so named by Brahm, because he found the larva upon
Onosma echioides ; here we find it in May and June on Echium
vulgare, and Professor Zeller finds it at Glogau upon Anchusa
officinalis. Tischer states (Treitschke, ix. 2, 219) that it feeds
on Hieracium Pilosella, but in this I imagine there must be
some error, arising either from his mistaking the young plant of
one of the Boraginez for a Hieracium, or from a full-fed larva
having quitted its food-plant, and attached itself to Hieracium,
or from the larva on Hieracium (at present we know of none on
that plant) belonging to some other species.

Troglodytella. Under this name we have, not improbably, several
species mixed. Zeller, in the ‘Linnea Entomologica,’ gives
Artemisia (vulgaris ?), on Herr Mann’s authority, as the food of
the larva of this species, and also observes that Senator v. Hey-
den found two cases, probably on Tanacetum vulgare, which
produced var. b. Ina letter however which I had from Profes-
sor Zeller in January last, he mentioned that Herr Schmidt, of
Laybach, had sent him specimens of Troglodytella, with cases,
which he had found abundantly on Eupatorium Cannabinum,
but that these cases exactly resembled those which Herr Mann
had found on Artemisia. In June, of this year, Mr. C. J. R.
Jordan found at Teignmouth some larve of Coleophora feeding
on Eupatorium, and also on Inula dysenterica; their cases were
similar in form to those of C. Inule, but twice the size, and from
them have been reared several specimens of an insect allied to
Inulz, but distinct. Mr. Weir, when at Pembury in June last,
found the larve of Coleophora on Eupatorium, and also some on
Inula; the cases were quite similar, but all small, the size of the
ordinary cases of C. Inule. Mr. Weir imagined that he had
here the larve of two species, but unfortunately he did not suc-
ceed in rearing any. Reaumur was acquainted with the larva
of a Coleophora on the Eupatorium, of which he has figured the
case, pl. 10, f. 1, 2, 8, and 6.

Inule. The larva in May and June on Inula dysenterica, growing
in the shelter of hedges. Mr. Douglas has found this on the
road from the Norwood Station to West Wickham Wood.

4028 Insects.

Lineolea. The larve feed- in April and May on Ballota nigra and
on Stachys sylvatica: on the former plant frequently abundant,
on the latter more sparingly. Von Heyden’s Stachydella (Linn.
Ent. iv. 327) is certainly only this species.

Argentula. The larva feeds on the seeds of the yarrow (Achillea
Millefolium) in September and October, not however changing
to the pupa state till June: hence the insect is difficult to rear.

Hemerobiella. The larva feeds on fruit-trees in May: not uncom-
mon in gardens at Hammersmith, Putney, &c. Fischer-von-
Roslerstamm has figured the transformations of this species in
his pl. 69.

Laricella. The larva in April and May on Jarches. The case and
discoloration of the larch-leaves are figured by Hiibner (Larve,
vol. 111., Tinez, vi., Alucitiformis, A. a.), and by Ratzeburg,
(2 Theil, pl. 15, f. 3).

Albitarsella. The larva feeds on Glechoma hederacea during the
winter and early spring months. According to Bruand it feeds
also (lividella, Bru.) on Origanum. For figures of the larva,
case, and discoloration of the leaf, see Ent. Trans. n. s. 11. pl.
Pigih) 1:

Nigricella. The larva feeds, in May and June, on hawthorn, apple
and pear: a case on the pear is figured by Reaumur, (pl. 7, f.
7, 8,9). In many localities the species is excessively abun-
dant on the hawthorn. This insect, or an unnamed species
closely allied to it, also feeds on the birch.

Fuscedinella. The larva feeds in May and June on elm and alder.
The case and mode of mining are figured by Reaumur (pl. 8, f.
1—11). Hither this same species, or others very closely allied
to it, feed on hornbeam and nut.

Lusciniepennella. The larva feeds on roses in May. This had ~
been observed by Reaumur (iii. 99, “C’est sur des rosiers,” &c.),
and a description of its transformations occurs in Bouché’s
‘Naturgeschichte der Insekten,’ (p. 131, under the name of Gry-
phipennella). An account of the larva and case appears in
Kollar’s ‘Insects injurious to Gardens,’ (see Loudon’s transla-
tion, p. 180), under the name of Rhodophagella.

Viminetella. The larva feeds on osiers and sallows in May. This
species is first alluded to by Zeller in the Linn. Ent. iv. in a
note at pp. 393, 394. ‘The perfect insect closely resembles some
of the other unicolorous species, but the larva-case is very dif-
ferent.

Insects. 4029

Solitariella. The larva in May and June on Stellaria holostea, and
occasionally on 8. uliginosa. For figures of the larva, case, and
discoloration of the leaves, see Ent. Trans. n. s. i1. pl. 11, f. 3.

Lutarea. The larve abundant in May, on oaks. I have some-
times found it on birch. The case is figured by Reaumur, pl.
7, f. 1, 2,3.

A. 2. British species of which the transformations are suspected, or,

resting only on single observations, require further investigation.

Deauratella, paripennella, Wockeella, lixella, ochrea, cespititiella,
alticolella, lacunicolella, and badiipennella.

Deauratella. ‘This insect was bred in 1850, by Mr. Gregson, of
Liverpool, who wrote to me as follows: —“ Mr. Allis and I took
some by sweeping” at Bowness, early in June, “and I bred it
amongst yellow clover which I brought home with me.” I pre-
sume the “ yellow clover” was Trifolium procumbens.

Paripennella. This was bred abundantly from cases found on an
old fence at Kennington, by Mr. Thomson, in April and May.
I have observed larve, in cases of similar construction, feeding
in July, August and September, on sloe, nut, birch, bramble,
&c.; but not having hitherto succeeded in persuading these
lngwin to live through the winter, IT have no a silty that they
really belong to paripennella.

Wockeella. Mr. Weir has this year bred this species from a case
he found at Pembury, in June, attached toa leaf of Genista
tinctoria; he could not, however, observe that the plant had
been anywhere eaten by it.

Lizella. Professor Zeller states that the larva feeds on the leaves
of Holcus lanatus. Mr. Douglas found in April, this year, the
larva of a Coleophora feeding on a smooth-leaved grass, in the
hilly field at Headley Lane: the larva however unfortunately died.

Ochrea. Of the larva of this, Herr Mann writes to Professor Zel-
ler, “ the cases occurred in plenty, on dry, sunny slopes, on the
capsules of a plant.” He sent dried specimens of the plant to
Professor Zeller, who found it to be Potentilla argentea. The
cases should probably be looked for in autumn on the recepta-
cles of this plant.

Cespititiella, alticolella, lacunicolella. 1 have now bred the larve
which feed from September to June on the seeds of the common
rush, and they prove to be C. alticolella. Should cespititiella
and lacunicolella be distinct species, their larvee may be expected

4030 Insects.

to feed on other kinds of rush. Mr. Almond, of Birkenhead,
found in May a case which would probably belong to some
allied species. I do not however know on what plant it was
found, further than that the Lancashire collectors call it “the
Star grass.”

Badiipennella. I have bred this from a larva which fed on ash in
May. The perfect insect appears very partial to elms, on which
probably the larva also feeds. My case on ash, which was found
by Mr. Preston in 1851, was smooth, and much smaller than a
case of C. fuscedinella.

A. 3. British species of which we have no record of the preparatory

states having been observed.

Spissicornis, Frischella, albicosta, Vulnerariz, niveicostella, satura-
tella, therinella, murinipennella, annulatella,* juncicolella, orbi-
tella and olivaceella.

Spisstcornis. Mr. C. 8. Gregson imagined that he had bred this in
1850, from Centaurea nigra, but the experience of subsequent
years shows that it was really C. Alcyonipennella that he had
bred. The perfect insect being so common in many places, it
is strange that the larva has not ere this been detected.

Frischella. Mr. Curtis and Mr. Dale both represent the perfect
insect as being partial to clover, hence probably the larva feeds
on that plant.

Albicosta so continually occurs among furze, that I cannot but sus-
pect the larva feeds on that plant.*

Vulnerariea. The larva of this has not been detected ; the helici-
form case of the larva which Professor Zeller had observed on
Anthyllis Vulneraria, and which he imagined probably belonged
to this species, is the case of Psyche helicinella (see Ent. Trans.
n. $ 1. 238).

Niveicostella. The perfect insect occurs at the end of June in the
hilly field at Headley Lane, where much Hippocrepis comosa
grows. Does the larva feed on that plant ?

Saturatella. This being now certainly a good species, it is worth
making some effort to find the larva. I have always found the
perfect insect in the vicinity of broom.

Therinella, murinipennella, annulatella,* juncicolella, orbitella,
and olivaceella. We have at present no clew to the larve of
these species.

* See Postscript, p. 4036.

Insects. 4031

Here I should mention some larve of Coleophora which have been
observed in this country, but from which the perfect insects not
having been reared, we are unaware to what species they should be
referred. ;

1. A larva in a cylindrical case, feeding on the seeds of Atriplex*
and Chenopodium in September and October. I have found
this plentifully here, and sparingly in Sussex and Devonshire ;
Mr. Grant finds it at Putney, and Mr. Shield near Dublin. The
larve continue in that state until the following June, hence the
difficulty in rearing them. This species has been mentioned by
Zeller in the Linn. Ent. iv. 354, as perhaps the larva of flava-
ginella. The cases on Atriplex did not escape the acute obser-
vation of Reaumur, who says “I have found a species attached
to the seeds of the Atriplex,” (iii. 121).

2. A larva feeding on elm in June and July, in a case much larger
than that of fuscedinella. Mrs. Stainton found it at Sutton, June
23rd and July 6th. I have subsequently found it here, though
by no means common. It is probably the larva of limosipennella.

3. A larva in a most singular case, on hawthorn and apple, in July
and August. I first observed this last summer, but did not suc-
ceed in rearing the perfect insect. The case is generally formed
of an entire leaf, but as the larva only inhabits a narrow cylin-
drical fold in the middle of it, the sides of the leaf project, and
one side is generally more or less turned over; we thus see a
withered brown leaf endowed with powers of locomotion, and
becoming a true folium ambulans. 1 have doubted whether
it could indeed be the case of a larva of this genus, but Profes-
sor Zeller, to whom I showed some when he was here last sum-
mer, was unable to imagine that it could belong to any other.

4. A larva feeding on birch, in autumn, in a case much like that of
No. 2. J] found this in Devonshire last September, and Mr.
Wilkinson found it at West Wickham ; all our larve died, and
hence the name of the perfect insect has not been ascertained.

5. A larva feeding on meadow-sweet (Spirea Ulmaria), found by
Mr. Douglas at the beginning of July, in a case somewhat simi-
lar to that of fuscedinella.

6. A larva mentioned by Mr. Rennie in ‘Insect Architecture’ (p.
226), on stinging nettle? (Urizca 2). “We have just discovered
(Nov. 4, 1829) upon the nettle, a tent of a very singular appear-

* See Postscript, p. 4036.

4032 Insects. ;

ance in consequence of the materials of which it is made. The
caterpillar seems indeed to have proceeded exactly in the same
manner as those which we have described; mining first between
the two membranes of the leaf, and then uniting these and cut-
ting out his tent. But the tent itself looks singular from being
all over studded with the stinging bristles of the nettle, and
forming ano less formidable coat of mail to the inhabitant, than
the spiny hide of the hedgehog.” From the use of the words
“stinging bristles,” I conclude a species of Urticais here meant,
otherwise I should have imagined the case alluded to was that
of lineolea, on Stachys or Ballota.

B. 1. Continental species, which have not been detected here, of

which the larve are known.

Onopordiella, Ballotella, Coelebipennella, Astragalella, Coronille,
serenella, Onobrychiella, auricella, Saponariella, Otitea, Gnapha-
liella, Millefolii, limosipennella, ochripennella, and Goniodoma
auroguttella.

Onopordiella has been bred by Herr Mann, from larve found on
Onopordon Acanthium, a not uncommon British thistle.

Ballotella. The larvain July and August, on Ballota nigra and La-
mium purpureum, in cases similar to those of lineolea. Fischer-
von-Réslerstamm has figured the transformations of the species,
pl.58. Bruand says that it also feeds on Teucrium Scorodonia.

Ceelebipunctella. The larva feeds on Artemisia campestris, in a
case similar to that of Pyrrhulipennella.

Astragalella. “The larva feeds on Astragalus abundantly, but is
difficult to rear ; the male larva is rosy red, the female pale yel-
low.”—Mann. Linn. Ent. iv. 244.

Coronille. 'The larva feeds on Coronilla varia.

Serenella. ‘“ Formerly the larve were very abundant in a garden
at Vienna, on laburnum.”—Mann, Linn. Ent. iv. 270.

Onobrychiella. “This species occurs in June and September, near
Vienna, in dry places, where its food-plant, Onobrychis, grows.
Several years back, they were bred plentifully.” — Mann, Linn.
Ent. iv. 272.

It seems impossible to imagine any species of Coleophora
double-brooded, so that this species must keep out for a very
long time, or the “ June and September” must apply to two dif-
ferent species.

Auricella. The larva feeds on Stachys recta, (Linn. Ent. iv. 288).

Insects. 4033

According to Bruand (Cat. des Lépid. de Besangon) it is not rare
. on Teucrium Scorodonia.

Saponariella. The larva feeds on soap-wort (Saponaria officinalis)
in the autumn, and again towards the end of spring. A circum-
stantial description of it is given by Heeger in the ‘ Isis, 1848,
p. 342. .

Otite. The larva feeds on the lower leaves of Cucubalus Otites,
(Silene Otites, Babington, p. 34) in the spring. Professor Zeller
found in the autumn small cases on the capsules of this plant,
which he imagines must be those of the young larve.

Gnaphalii. The larva feeds on the leaves of Gnaphalium arena-
rium, at the beginning of June.

Millefolit. The larva feeds on Achillea Millefolium, in May and
June ; the case somewhat resembles that of Onosmella, but has
long white hairs. It is thus totally different from the case of
argentula.

Limosipennella. The larva feeds in July, on elms, in a case much
larger than that of fuscedinella. (As before mentioned, I have
found larve which I imagine belong to this species).

Ochripennella. The larva feeds on Ballota nigra, in a case similar
to that of C. lineolea, and at the same time, (May).

Goniodoma auroguttella. The larva feeds on the seeds of Atriplex
in September, in a case shaped exactly like one of the seeds :
when full-fed, the larva attaches its case to the stem of the plant,
and, boring into it, remains there as larva the whole winter ; in
May it spins a cocoon, still inside the stem of the Atriplex, and
changes to a pupa, leaving its three-cornered case attached to
the outside of the stem, as if to attract the attention of the pass-
ers by. (See Fischer-von-Roslerstamm’s account of its disco-
very, and his beautiful figures of this species, pl. 86 and 87).

B. 2. Continental species which have not been detected here, of
which the transformations are suspected, or, resting only on single
observations, require further investigation.

Colutella, ditella, vicinella, Ibipennella, albifuscella, flavaginella,

directella and unipunctella.

Colutella. Zeller gives as a reference for this species Reaumur’s
pl. 11, f. 1—4, which represent the very curious case termed by
Reaumur @ falbalas, observed by him on the Astragalus in June.
These furbelowed cases were of a dirty white. Fabricius, who
described the species from an insect bred from a larva found

XI. 28

4034 Inscets.

on Colutea arborescens, gives the same reference to Reaumur.
Further, the peculiar case figured by Reaumur does not belong
to the larva of any species with which we are acquainted, unless
indeed it be that of Astragalella, the form of which I do not find
mentioned.

Ditella. “ Discovered by Von Heyden, at Frankfort; the larva-
cases are found on Artemisia campestris.” — Zeller, Linn. Ent.
iv. 248.

Vicinella. Herr Mann sent one specimen of this, and one of par-
titella, to Professor Zeller, with the information, ‘near Szexard,
in Hungary, the larva-cases on Coronilla, from which the moths
came out in July.” — Linn. Ent. iv. 252. The cases resemble
those of palliatella.

Ibipennella. The larva-case, exactly similar to that of Tiliella,
was found on an oak-leaf at Frankfort.

Albifuscella. ‘The larva-case was found by Senator von Heyden,
in July, attached to the lower part of the capsule of Lychnis
viscaria, with only a small portion of the end projecting.
Reaumur has figured (pl. 8, f. 21—24) the case of a larva feed-
ing on the leaves of a species of Lychnis.

Flavaginella. Madame Lienig found the larve on walls, fences,
and trunks of birch-trees, from March to the end of June (‘ Isis,’
1846, p. 295). Zeller suspects that the larve which feed in
autumn on the seeds of Chenopodium and Atriplex should be
referred to this species.*

Directella. Dr. Wocke found about eighty cases of the larve on
Artemisia vulgaris, on the 26th of May, 1848, after a thunder-
shower. “ The larve however did not take to the food offered
them, and nearly all died; probably they had only crawled on
to the Artemisia out of the wet. Only two of the perfect insects
came out towards the middle of July.”— Linn. Ent. iv. 368.
The cases were cylindrical, clothed with thick, short, whitish-
gray down. Mr. Douglas and myself have taken the perfect
insect of a Coleophora among Artemisia, which may, perhaps,
when we obtain bred specimens, prove to be this species: but
hitherto we have found no larve on the Artemisia. A singular
case, found by M. Bruand of Besancon on Artemisia, was for-
warded by him to Mr. Doubleday this spring. The case is ex-
traordinarily broad, and looks more like a withered. bud; the

* See Postscript, p. 4036.

Insects. 4035

larve crawled about without feeding, and finally attached them-
selves to the stem of the Artemisia, where they still remain, in
all probability dead.

Unipunctella. Herr Mann says of this, “the species flies near
Vienna, in mountainous localities, in July and August, and its
larva is abundant on Chenopodium, but generally dies in capti-
vity during the winter.’—Linn. Ent. iv. 306. The form of the
case is not mentioned, nor whether it feeds on the seeds or the
leaves of the Chenopodium.

B. 3. Continental species which have not been detected here, of
which we have no record of the preparatory states having been ob-
served.

Hieronella, cuprariella, fuscicornis, Vulpecula, binotatella, squalo-
rella, ornatipennella, valesianella, vibicigerella, partitella, fusco-
ciliella, trifariella, Oriolella, Gallipennella, bilineatella, stramen-
tella, albicostella, virgatella, chalcogrammella, leucapennella,
crepidinella, Fringillella, rectilineella, tractella, nubivagella,
fretella, striolatella, derivatella, lineariella, precursella, obtec-
tella, versurella, Motacillella, punctipennella, granulatella,
albicans, punctulatella, Binderella, lithargyrinella, deviella, and
Milvipennis.

Here is indeed a wide field of research ! !

In conclusion, I wish to impress upon collectors the necessity of
making themselves acquainted with the larve of this genus. The
perfect insects never appear to fly of their own accord, and excepting
in the instances of tree-feeding species, such as fuscedinella, lutarea,
&c., which in windy weather may be observed flying back to the trees
in little swarms, none of them are ever met with plentifully in the per-
fect state. When disturbed, they fly for a short distance, and then
speedily settle: from their disinclination to fly, it is rare to meet with
flying specimens in good condition, hence specimens taken on the
wing are more or less wasted, and thereby become extremely difficult
toname. This difficulty is increased by the great similarity of many
species ; and those who wish to have their collections named, should
breed their specimens.

There are one or two points in the natural history of the larve,
which it would be desirable to clear up. Some of the larve make
their cases of leaves, and some of silk; but we cannot always speak
confidently as to which species belong to each class. (C. Tiliella and

4036 Insects.

palliatella have two of the most singular si/ken cases with which we
are acquainted). Some of the larve have when young the case of a
different form to that which they afterwards bear; thus the case of
fuscedinella or of nigricella is curved when very young, the case of
the adult larva being straight. In other species we imagine that the
form of the case does not vary with the age of the larva.

All the species with which we are acquainted seem to pass the win-
ter in the larva state ; but there is this difference, that some are very
small at the time of their hybernation, some are half grown, and some
are full grown, and do not take any food subsequently. Fuscedinella
and nigricella may be instanced as species which pass the winter in
the very young state, in their curved cases: albitarsella, discordella,
and viminetella may be mentioned as species which pass the winter
when more fully grown, (indeed, last year I bred a specimen of vimi-
netella in November, and though no doubt this was forced, I imagine
it shows that some of these larve are completely fed up, and perhaps
changed to the pupa before the winter sets in). The seed-feeding
species, argentula, and that on the Atriplex, no doubt attain their full
growth before hybernation. Of some of the species, the larve are
found more freely in the autumn ; and although it is not easy to keep
them alive in-doors all the winter, it may be desirable to put the larve
on convenient individual plants, leaving them to shift for themselves
during the winter, and to collect them again in the spring. Last au-
tumn I transplanted a number of larve of viminetella to some sallow
bushes that were more convenietly situated for me, but unfortunately
I quite forgot having made this preserve, until I found in July the
empty cases and marks where the larve had been.

H. T. STarnrTon.

Mouutsfield, Lewisham,
July 27, 1853.

P.S. — Since the above was written, Mr. Douglas and I have bred
the Coleophora from the seeds of the Atriplex, (No. 1). Mr. Douglas’s
specimen appears to approximate to flavaginella, whereas mine ap-
pear to be annulatella. Mr. Boyd has this month found at Lynd-
hurst, the larva-case of a Coleophora on the pods of furze, (Ulex) ;
this is probably that of albicosta.—H. T. S.

August, 16, 1853.

a Insects. 4037

Note on Lepidoptera bred from Larve.— TI have lately bred the following insects
from larve taken by myself last summer : —
Notodonta trepida, two, larve beaten off oak in July, Herts.
Chaonia, two, larve beaten from oak in July, Herts.
Dromedarius, three, from larve on birch in September, Derbyshire.
a Dicteza, four, from larve on poplar, Herts and Derbyshire.
; Ziczac, two, ditto.
Pterostoma palpina, three, from larve on poplar, Herts.
Ceropacha ridens, one, from a larva beaten off oak in July, Herts.
a Or, one, ditto.
Diaunthecia carpophaga, five, from larve on seeds of Silene inflata, July and Au-
gust, Herts, Bucks, and Derbyshire.

29

”

As Cucubali, five, from larve on Silene inflata, July and August, Herts,
Bucks.

a capsincola, three, from larve on seeds of J.ychnis dioica, August,
Derbyshire.

Thyatira batis, two, from larve on raspberry, July, Herts.

Acronycta Ligustri, one, from a larva on ash, July, Herts.

Eurymene dolabraria, one, from a larva beaten off oak in July, Herts.

I have also bred, but unfortunately in too deformed a state to be of any use, Dian-
thecia conspersa, from a larva found on seeds of Lychnis dioica in Derbyshire; and
Platypteryx faleula from larve on birch, in September, in Derbyshire. — H. Harpur
Crewe ; 17, Cavendish Road, St. John’s Wood, June 18, 1853.

Captures of Lepidoptera at Chorley. — I have lately taken four specimens of Dian-
thecia? conspersa, three sitting on trees, the other on a Rhododendron; also Deilephila
Elpenor, Hadena gemina, Cucullia umbratica, Abrostola triplasia, Plusia Festuce,
Tota, inscripta, and many other common Noctue.— E. C. Buxton, jun. ; Adlington
Hall, Chorley, Lancashire, June, 1853.

Additional Note on Ichneumon Atropos, Curt. — At a meeting of the Linnean So-
ciety on the 15th of February, 1853, there was read “an ‘ Additional Note’ to Mr.
Newport's Memoir on Ichneumon Atropos, Curt., in reference to the changes which
take place in the alimentary canal after the parasite has ceased to feed, and while as-
suming its imago state. These changes, which are very considerable both as regards
form and condition, are minutely described; and every part of the canal is shown to
be supplied with trachee, the trunks of which, one in each segment, passing trans-
versely inwards, divide into branches, which, again subdivided, penetrate into and
ramify through the structure. These, like all other trachee, are formed, as described
by Sprengel, of three tissues, an external membranous and an internal mucous, inclos-
ing between them a strong spiral fibre. The nature and origin of the external tissue
have been shown by Mr. Newport in previous memoirs; but he has since found that
the ramifications of the trachee which penetrate the structure of the canal, or of any
other organ, become denuded of this external covering, and then seem to be formed
only of two tissues, the spiral and the mucous, if indeed there be not also, as he has
some reason to think, an extremely delicate serous, or basement membrane, closely
adherent to and uniting the coils of fibrous tissue on its external surface. The wlti-
mate divisions of the trachee are always distributed separately, and do not anastomose,
ending, as noticed by Mr. Bowerbank, in extremely minute, filiform, blind extremi-
ties ; and this Mr. Newport finds to be their condition in all structures, in the nervous

4038 Insects. .

and tegumentary, equally as in the glandular and muscular. These facts, the author
observes, may perhaps assist us to understand the nature of the injection of the trachee
by M. Blanchard, and also the mode of nutrition in insects ; the ultimate branches of
trachee in the tissues of the alimentary canal operating, possibly, as absorbent struc-
tures, and inducing the chylific fluid elaborated around them to flow, in its transit
outwards, along the channels formed by their loose peritoneal covering into the regu-
lar circulatory currents. Further, they may assist to explain the mode of coloration
of the trachee in the experiments of MM. Alessandrini and Bassi, and of M. Blan-
chard, and also in others, yet unpublished, made by himself on the larve of Clisso-
campa Neustria, in July, 1837.” —From the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society, 213.

Note on the Ocelli in the Genus Anthophorabia, Newp.—At a meeting of the Lin-
nean Society on the 19th of April, 1853, Mr. Newport “ remarked that since the pub-
lication of his observations on these insects in the ‘ Transactions’ of the Society, his
attention had again been directed to the peculiarities of the organs of vision in the
male sex. He had already shown that these individuals possess only ocelli at the sides
of the head as well as on the vertex, but that these structures exist at precisely the

same parts of the head as the ocelli and the compound eyes in the female, and conse-

quently that there can be no doubt of their homology. These appearances, however,
having led some to question the correctness of this, it became necessary, in order to
judge aright of their nature, to consider what are the essential conditions of a struc-
ture which is specially destined for the appreciation of light. Thisconsists, as already
pointed out in fishes, of a follicle or pit in the tegument of the head, coated with dark
pigment, and receiving the distal termination of a particular cerebral nerve, conditions
which are precisely those of the ocelli, both of the sides of the head and of the vertex,
in Anthophorabia. The various modifications of the eye in insects, with regartl to the
form of the cornea, the depth of the chamber, and the presence of the choroid, and of
the lens, with reference to the extent of field, and the focal distance, of vision, were
pointed out, and the degree in which they exist in Anthophorabia mentioned, as coin-
ciding with the peculiar habits of the insect. The structures in the male were thus
shown, by the presence of cornea, chamber, choroid, and nerve, to be most indisputa-
bly organs of sight. The author referred also to the binary origin of the nerve of the
middle ocellus of the vertex, as formerly pointed out by him in his paper on Pteronar-
cys; to the origin of ocelli in the same way as other dermal tubercles ; and to the
imperfect eye-spots in the Scorpionide being supplied with nervous filaments from the
same optic nerve which supplies the recognized organs of vision in those animals.’—
From the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society, p. 219.

Capture in the North of England of six Species of Coleoptera new to the British
Fauna. — Having some few Coleoptera, principally small species, which I was unable
satisfactorily to name, I availed myself of M. Javet’s kindness, and sent them to Paris
for examination. By his and Dr. Aubé’s courtesy, I am enabled to record the following,
which have not, in so far as I am aware, hitherto been taken in Great Britain : —

Oxypoda maura, Erichs. A pair taken on the herbage of a pond at Gosforth, May.

Ephistemus globosus, Waltl., Erichs. One on a hot-bed at Long Benton, June.

Cryptophagus badius, Sturm. Newcastle.

% acutangulus, Gyll. Newcastle.
_ dentatus, Herbst. By sweeping herbage, Gosforth, June.
ji subdepressum, G'yll. Newcastle.

—Thos. John Bold ; Angas’ Co urt, t, Bigg. Market, Newcastle- -on- Tyne, August 19, 1853.

Notices of New Books. 4039

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

‘ The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 66—68,
dated June, July, and August, 1853.

No. 66 contains the following papers : —

‘Description of Orbitolites Malabarica (H. J. C.), illustrative of the
Spiral and not Concentric Arrangement of Chambers in D’Orbigny’s
Order Cyclostégues.’ By H.J. Carter, Esq., Assistant Surgeon, Bom-
bay Establishment.

‘ Remarks upon British Plants.’ By Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
F.RS., F.L.S., &c.

‘Further Observations on the Animal of Diplommatina, (including
a Note by Capt. T. Hutton). By W. H. Benson, Esq.

‘On the Genera of the Tribe Duboisiee. By John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.L.S.

‘Notes on some British Zoophytes.’ By Wyville Thomson, F.R.P.S.
&c., Lecturer on Botany, Univ. and Marischal College, Aberdeen.

‘Observations on Relative Position ; including a new Arrangement
of Phanerogamous Plants.’ By B. Clarke, F.L.S. &c.

‘On some points relating to the Structure and Mechanism of the
Wolf-fish, (Anarrhichas Lupus). By Edwards Crisp, M.D.

Proceedings of Learned Societies : — Zoological Society —Botani-
cal Society of Edinburgh —Hntomological Society.

Miscellaneous : — On the Reproduction of Frogs and Toads with-
out the intermediate stage of Tadpole; by the Rev. L. Jenyns. Re-
searches on the Fecundation and Formation of the Embryo in the
Hepatice and Ferns; by H. Philibert. Mode of determining the Op-
tical Power of a Microscope ; by Prof. Harting, of Utrecht. Marine
Vivaria; by William Thompson. Labidocera magna; by J. Lubbock.
Observations on the Anatomy of the Antenne in a small Species of
Crustacean; by John D. M‘Donald, M.D., Assistant Surgeon to
H.M.S.V. Torch. Meteorological Observations.

Mr. Wyville Thomson describes Reticularia immersa, a new genus
and species of British zoophytes allied to the Sertulariade, which
“ differs from Coppinia and approaches the other Sertularians in hav-
ing its polyp-cells springing from a common horny tube.” Found at
Newhaven (“usually investing Sertularia abietina”) and Aberdeen.

In the letter ‘On the Reproduction of Frogs and Toads without
the intermediate stage of Tadpole, the Rev. L. Jenyns refers to his

4040 Notices of New Books.

‘ Observations in Natural History,’ wherein he has “ recorded the cir-
cumstance of toads inhabiting the cellars at Bottisham Hall,” whence
there is no escape, where “they may often be noticed in the spring 7
copula, and where” he says, “I have also seen young toads, though [
never noticed any spawn-deposits.” He also refers to his ‘ Manual
of British Vertebrate Animals,’ wherein he alludes to the circumstance
of the common newt or eft being found on land, of all sizes, but ever
in a perfect state, as observed by Sheppard and Shaw. At one time,
Mr. Jenyns could not account for their occurrence, otherwise than on
the supposition that the efts had been bred in “the merest puddles
caused by rains, which soon drying up, obliged them to exchange
their native element as larve for another, before they would have or-
dinarily attained the perfect form; and that this led to the gills being
cast prematurely to enable the animal to accommodate itself to its
new circumstances :” now, however, he thinks it more probable, “ af-
ter what Mr. Lowe has stated in the case of frogs and toads, that these
individuals may have been born on land in the state in which they
are found, and that in fact gills never existed, or disappeared almost
immediately after birth.”

No. 67 contains the following papers : —

‘Remarks on some Algz belonging to the Genus Caulerpa.’ By R.
K. Greville, LL.D., &c.

‘On the Genus Truncatella.” By William Clark, Esq.

‘On the Operculum of the Genus Diplommatina.’ By Dr. J. E.
Gray, F.R.S., V.P.Z.8., &c.

‘Description of a new Species of Rhododendron from Bootan, in
India.’ By Thomas Nuttall, Esq.

‘On Relative Position ; including a new Arrangement of Phanero-
gamous Plants: — Part IV. On Dorsal Placentation.’ By B. Clarke, »
F.LS.,.&c.

‘On the Phosphorescence of some Marine Invertebrata.’ By M. A.
De Quatrefages.

‘On the Structure of the Leaves of Palms.’ By M. A. Trécul.

Proceedings of Learned Societies : — Linnean Society—Zoological
Society—Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Miscellaneous: —On the Fecundation of the Fucacee ; by M. Gus-
tave Thuret. Time of Spawning of British Crustacea; by William
Thompson. Experimental Researches on Vegetation ; by M. Georges
Ville. On the Priority of the Discovery of the Mode of Action of
the Pholades in the Perforation of Stones ; by M. Vrolik. On Sun

Notices of New Books. 4041

Columns observed at Sandwick Manse, Orkney ; by the Rev. C.
Clouston. Meteorological Observations.

Professor Vrolik, of Amsterdam, states in the ‘ Comptes Rendus’
for May 2, 1858, that the perforation of stones by the mechanical
action of the shells of Pholades, withont the aid of an acid, was de-
scribed more than seventy years ago by Léendert Bomme, a Director
of the Commercial Company of Middlebourg, in a memoir published
in the ‘ Transactions of the Scientific Society of Flessingen.’

The papers in No. 68 are intituled : —

‘On the Genus Cercyon, with a short Monographical Synopsis of
the British Spheridiide.’ By Andrew Murray, W.S. Edinburgh.

‘Characters of New Land Shells, collected by Edgar L. Layard,
Ksq., in Ceylon.’ By W. H. Benson, Esq.

‘Notes on the Ornithology of Ceylon, collected during an Eight
Years’ Residence in the Island.’ By Edgar Leopold Layard, C.C.S.

‘On the Rissoa rubra.” By William Clark, Esq.

‘Description of several new Species of British Crustacea.’ By Wil-
liam Thompson, Esq. }

‘On two new Species of Calanide, with Observations on the Sper-
matic Tubes of Pontella, Diaptomus, &c.. By John Lubbock, Esq.,
F.Z.S.

‘Notes on some new or little-known Marine Animals.’ By P. H.
Gosse, A.L.S.

‘On the Teeth of the Genus Mitra, Lamarck. By J. E. Gray,
Ph.D., F.R.S., V.P.Z.S., &c. |

Bibliographical Notices : — ‘ Systéme Silurien du Centre de la Bo-
héme. lére partie, Recherches Paléontologiques. ‘Trilobites, par J.
Barrande. ‘ Popular Physical Geology.’ By J. B. Jukes, F.R.S.

Proceedings of Learned Societies: — Royal Institution— Zoological
Society.

Miscellaneous : — Observations on the Breeding of the Nightingale
in Captivity; by H. Hanley. Eucratea chelata; by William F. Tem-
pler. On a new Species of Bulimus ; by Lovell Reeve, F.L.S. John-
stonella Catharina, Gosse; by J. E. Gray, F.R.S., &c. Ona new
Genus of Anomiade; by J. E. Gray, F.R.S., &c. Meteorological
Observations.

In his paper on the Rissoa, Mr. Clark proposes to constitute a new
genus — Barleea— for the reception of the R. rubra of authors, living
specimens of that animal, sent to him from Penzance by Mr. Barlee,
being found to differ greatly from the published descriptions.

XI, 2T

4042 Entomological Society.

The new species of Crustacea described by Mr. Thompson are the
following : — Hippolyte Whitei, H. Yarrellii, H. Grayana, and H.
Mitchelli ; all from Weymouth Bay.

Mr. Gosse describes the following new and rare marine animals : —
Sipunculus punctatissimus, from Weymouth; Spadix purpurea, Lul-
worth and Weymouth; Actinia miniata; Act. clavata, Thompson, var.
rosea ; and Iluanthos Mitchellii.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

August 1, 1853.—SamurEt Stevens, Esq., F.L.S., in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — The ‘ Zoologist’ for August; by the Editor. The‘ Atheneum’ for July ;
by the Editor. The ‘ Literary Gazette’ for July; by the Editor. The ‘ Journal of the
Society of Arts’ for July; by the Editor. ‘ Bulletin de la Société Impériale des Na-
turalistes de Moscou, Nos. 3 and 4, 1851, No. 1, 1852: ‘ Die Coleopterologischen
Verhaeltnisse und Kafer Russlands,’ von Victor v. Motschulsky: both by the Soc. Imp.
Nat. Moscou. ‘ Bericht iber die wissenchaftlichen Leistungen im Gebiete der Ento-
mologie wahrend des Jahres 1851, von Dr. H. Schaum; Berlin, 1853: by the Author.
‘ Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Scotland, by Andrew Murray; Edinburgh, 1853: by
the Author. ‘ Abhandlungen der Mathemat.-Physikal. Classe der Koeniglich Bayer-
ischen Akademie der Wissenchaften,’ 17 Band, Ist abth., Munchen, 1853: Bulletin
ditto, No. 25: ‘ Ueber den Chemismus der Vegetation,’ von Dr. A. Vogel jun., Mun-
chen, 1853: all by the Akademie. ‘ Transactions of the Linnean Society, Vol. xxi.
part 2, 1853: ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society, Nos. 48—51: ‘ List of the Lin-
nean Society ;’ all by the Society. ‘ Proceedings of the Royal Society, Vol. vi. No.
97; by the Society. Two specimens of Boletophagus crenatus; by Mr. Foxcroft.

Viscount Goderich, M.P.; Captain Cox, Queen’s Body Guard; and Henry Evans,
Esq., Darley Abbey, near Derby, were balloted for and elected Members of the Society.

Mr. Stevens exhibited a female of the rare Pachetra leucophea? taken flying at
Mickleham, in July; and an almost black variety of Hadena dentina, from the same
place.

Mr. Wilkinson exhibited living larve of Incurvaria masculella in their cases, feed-
ing upon leaves of beech and hornbeam externally, having in a young state fed within
the cuticles, of which the cases were formed.

Mr. Smith exhibited a very large Boletus, found by Mr. Foxcroft on an old birch-
tree in the Black Forest, Rannoch, from which he had extracted Boletophagus crena-
tus. He also exhibited a large quantity of Mr. Foxcroft’s captures of Coleoptera,
Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera in Perthshire, including many rare species, and among
the Coleoptera, Noctiluca splendidula? a new British species.

Mr. Douglas exhibited Ino Globularie, taken at Cheltenham in July, being a new
locality for this species; also Heliothis marginata, and twelve other species of Noc-
tuide captured at the same time and place, flying at dusk about the flowers of Silene
inflata.

Entomological Society. 4043

Mr. Bond exhibited some leaves of parsnep from Cambridgeshire, affected with
the same disease as the potatoes, which the growers think is caused by insects. He
however had only found on them a few minute Aphides, Psovi, &c., which he now
handed to Mr. Westwood for examination.

Mr. Edwin Shepherd exhibited a remarkable variety of Anticlea rubidata, in which
the ordinary broad band on the fore-wings had been converted into a narrow fascia.

Mr. Stainton exhibited an insect, captured by Mr. Boyd in the New Forest, closely
resembling a Lepidopterous Nepticula or Elachista in its size, brilliancy, colour, and
marking, but which was in reality Trichopterous, and probably of a new genus.

Mr. Westwood exhibited a new entomological product from the interior of Tropi-
cal Africa, near the Bight of Benin, consisting of a mass of the cocoons of one of the
Lepidoptera, probably allied to Galleria, which was found loosely attached to trees,
It formed a spongy-looking silky body, which, from the agglomeration of the multi-
tude of cocoons, could not be wound off like ordinary silk, but had to be carded, like
wool. He also exhibited the material as it appeared in two subsequent stages of ma-
nufacture, in which it resembled floss silk; from this it was spun into threads, and
woven into articles of different kinds, which had a strong and cotton-like texture. This
substance would probably be turned to account, for several silk-manufacturers had
seen it, and thought it might prove a desirable addition to our materials for textile
fabrics. He also exhibited some dyed silk from the same country, which he thought
was the product of another insect.

Mr. Westwood read from the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ a recommendation of chloro-
form as an agent for stupefying bees, when such a proceeding, for the purpose of
taking honey, or from any other cause, was necessary in the apiary, in preference to
sulphur or fungus.

Mr. Westwood then read from the Boston (U. 8.) ‘New England Farmer’ of July
2nd, the following account, headed “ A new Enemy in the Field ;” stating that Dr.
Harris had not noticed this caterpillar in his writings on injurious insects : —

“Within the past three days, we have noticed on our apple-trees a small worm,
which threatens destruction to our most valuable crop. His manner and size are
much after the style of the canker-worm, but his personal appearance is different.
Like the canker-worm, he devours the leaf all but the tough fibres, and if you suddenly
shake the tree, spins down on his thread like a spider, and he leaves the tree looking
as if seared by fire.”

“ The canker-worm, if I recollect aright, when he visited New Hampshire twenty
years ago, was always of a dark colour, and moved soberly by measure, while these
creatures are of all colours, black, brown, green and striped, and they slip off your hand
with a sort of waltzing step, in a second.”

“T have travelled from Chester, through Raymond and other towns, home today,
and have observed them all along. They are abundant, not only on the apple-tree,
but on the plum, and on the white and red oak. The peach, which promises a great
crop this season, seems to be free from them. Probably Professor Harris can tell us
all about the animal in a moment.”

“HH. F. FrRencu.”

“ Exeter, N. H., June 20, 1853.”

A044 Entomological Society.

Another communication was as follows : —

“Tn our vicinity an enemy has appeared upon our fruit-trees, the apple and the
cherry, which threatens to destroy our entire crop. So far as I can learn, the foe is a
stranger to our fruit-growers ; it is spread upon all parts of the tree, and, when it is
shaken, drops from it suspended by a web, then winds up its web, and again gains its
position on the tree. The trees, when badly eaten, present a dry and sere appearance.
In all these points it is like the canker-worm, as it is also in size, and to a casual ob-
server it would be pronounced their work ; but in many respects it is dissimilar. The
canker-worm is brown, this is nearly white, with two longitudinal stripes running its
whole length ; the canker-worm is slow of motion, this is very quick, and moves ra-
pidly from place to place in all directions, to escape an enemy ; the canker-worm moves
forward by doubling or opening and throwing forward its head and fore part, this is
provided with 16 legs,—6 near the head, 8 near the middle, and 2 at the tail, and uses
them with great celerity in running. The canker-worm has no shelter upon the tree,
but lies out upon the leaf or branch ; this forms itself a house by webbing the corner
of a leaf, into which it retreats on the first appearance of danger: the canker-worm
rarely eats the fruit, if it can get leaves; this is now eating into and spoiling and dis-
figuring the fruit. Of the insect which produces them I know nothing. My neigh-
bours say that about three or four weeks since they noticed an abundance of small
millers, of an ash colour, and they may have proceeded from them. If the insect,
with its habits, are unknown, we have before us a work of careful observation, as the
first descent of these depredators threatens more injury to our fruit than any other in-
sect which has attacked our trees. If there are not enough to spvil my trees and fruit
entirely now, I am sure that double the present number on those of my trees most
eaten, would not leave me an apple ora leaf remaining.

“R. C. Stone.”

*“‘ Sherburne, June 21, 1853.”

The Editor adds : — “ Shaking the trees pretty freely dislodges them. We advise
this practice, and also syringing the young tree well with whale-oil-soap, strong soap-
suds, or even clear water. We understand that muriate of lime will destroy them, by
sprinkling the ground with it, and shaking the worms down upon it.”

My. Wollaston communicated an extract of a letter from Dr. Schaum, informing |
him of the death of Dr. Germar on the 8th of July, from an attack of gout, at the age
of 66.

Mr. Smith read some “ Observations on the Economy of Pompilus punctum,”
showing that P. petiolatus, Vander Linden, is the female of that species, which fact
he had ascertained by breeding both from one set of cells, found by the Rev. W. Del-
mar, at Elmstone Rectory, near Canterbury, and communicated to him by Mr. W.
Thomson, Director of the Natural-History Department at the Crystal Palace.

Mr. Douglas read the following extract from Layard’s ‘ Discoveries in the Ruins
vf Nineveh and Babylon, 1853, page 338.

* Ruins at Konyunjik. — The walls were panelled with sculptured slabs about six
feet high. Those to the right in descending represented a procession of servants car-
rying fruit, flowers, gum, and supplies for a banquet, preceded by mace-bearers. The

Entomological Society. 4045

attendants who followed carried clusters of ripe dates, and flat baskets of osier-work
filled with pomegranates, apples, and bunches of grapes. They raised in one hand
small green boughs to drive away the flies. Then came men bearing hares, part-

ridges, and dried locusts fastened on rods. The locust has ever been an article of food
in the East, and is still sold in the markets of many towns in Arabia. Being intro-
duced in this bas-relief amongst the choice delicacies of a banquet, it was probably
highly prized by the Assyrians.”

Mr. Douglas also read the following translation from the ‘ Entomologische Zeitung’
for April, of a ‘“‘ Report by Professors Goeppert and Cohn, of a Lecture by Professor
von Siebold on Strepsiptera, at a meeting of the Silesian ‘ Gesellschaft fur vaterl.
Cultur, at Breslau, on the 9th of February.”

“ The Strepsiptera form such a remarkable and isolated group of insects, that the
oldest French and English entomologists, who were the first to draw the attention of
the naturalist to these exceedingly rare insect-parasites, raised them into a distinct
Order.. In Germany they remained almost entirely unnoticed ; indeed, the ignorance
of this interesting group was so great, that up to a very late period no account of it
exists in any German zovlogical hand-book. The lecturer, at different times, in jour-
nals and papers of scientific Natural-History Societies, has published his observations
upon the very singular organization of the Strepsiptera, so different from that of all
other insects, and upon the history of their wonderful propagation, without having had
here in Germany these communications completed or extended by others; whilst in
England, they appear to be peculiarly fortunate in discovering and observing these in-
sects. Through the researches of English entomologists, we know up to this time 14
species of Strepsiptera, in 5 genera ; among which are 11 European species. In order
not to repeat what the lecturer published on the Strepsiptera some years since, he re-
ferred to the last paper on the subject in the ‘ Proceedings of the Naturforschenden
Gesellschaft of Danzig,’ Bd. iii. Heft 2, 1839; later in the ‘ Entomol. Zeitung,’ 1843,
p- 113, and in Wiegman’s ‘ Archivs fir Naturgeschicte, 1843, Bd.i. p. 187. Herr
von Siebold has continued, in Freiburg, the investigations into the Strepsiptera which
he had commenced in Danzig and Erlangen, where it was easy for him to procure
his materials: here in Breslau he laboured in vain to obtain Strepsiptera; and none
of the many able Silesian entomologists could give him an idea where and how to pro-
cure these insects. Herr von Siebold hopes therefore, after his approaching return to
South Germany, again to renew his researches, and to be able to complete his Mono- —
graph of the Strepsiptera. The reason why he now speaks about them is, that in the
last ‘Catalogus Coleopterorum Europe, published by the Entomological Society of
Stettin, the Strepsiptera are presented as a family of beetles, under the name of ‘Sty-
lopites.’ The Strepsiptera have had the fate to see themselves classified in all the
hitherto known Orders of insects, by those entomologists who would not acknowledge
them to be a distinct Order. The first proposition to bring the Strepsiptera among
the Coleoptera, was put forth by Burmeister (in his ‘ Handbuch der Naturgeschichte,
1837, p. 643), without giving any further reason for his supposition that they should
occupy their natural position among the family Mordellide : he was merely led thereto
by the idea that the larve of Strepsiptera are parasites on bees, and the larve of Sym-
bius and Rhipiphorus, belonging to the Mordellide, also live as parasites, the former
on Blatta, the latter on Vespa. This view of Burmeister has recently been supported

4046 Entomological Society.

in England, by Newman (‘ Zoologist,’ 1850, p. 2684), who endeavours to prove that the
Strepsiptera are genuine Coleoptera. We find the grounds of his arguments stated
in extracts in the entomolugical ‘ Jahrsbericht’ of Wiegman’s ‘ Archivs, (1851, Bd. ii.
p- 200). Herr v. Siebold is not convinced by the reasons given, that the Strepsiptera
are beetles. The resemblance of the larve of Strepsiptera to those of Meloe is refer-
red to, but that is only very superficial ; the latter have the parts of the mouth dis-
tinctly developed, in the former they are entirely wanting. In both sexes of beetles
the parts of the mouth are always developed into very perfect biting organs; in the
male of the perfected Strepsiptera they are reduced to two rudimentary jaws, and in
the female they are entirely absent. The prothorax in all beetles is seen very strongly
developed, and the upper part forms a large surface, furnished with many characters
indicative of genera and species; while, in the Strepsiptera, this upper side of the pro-
thorax has almost entirely vanished. The reduced and somewhat spirally twisted fore
wings of the Strepsiptera are very movable appendages, and occupy the position of
anterior halteres (Schwingkolben), corresponding to the hinder halteres of the Dipte-
ra; in beetles, the fore wings are simply coverings for the hind wings, and in flight
are merely lifted up and held immovable, whether they are diminutive or not. All
the male Strepsiptera want the claws of the last joint of the tarsi, an apparatus so ne-
cessary for Coleoptera, which use their legs in running, climbing, and clinging, that
all species are provided therewith ; moreover, they live for months, and even years, af-
ter they have thrown off their pupa-covering, whereas the male Strepsiptera, from the
moment they emerge from the pupa, flutter incessantly, and do not live longer than a
day. Though Herr v. Siebold is now convinced that the Strepsiptera are not Coleo-
ptera, he still thinks that the attempt made by entomologists to place them in that .
position, must be borne with, and even received with welcome, as it has very good
practical advantages, from which science may very shortly derive benefit. Hitherto,
the entire group of Strepsiptera has been neglected in an unprecedented manner by
German entomologists, but now, since Coleopterists find the Strepsiptera incorporated
into the Catalogue of Coleoptera, they will be induced to adorn their collections with
these pretty little creatures. They will now pay attention to these‘insects, will cap-
ture and pin them, and so must study the circumstances of their existence; they will
be compelled to observe them, and the insects in which they live, with the greatest
attention, for this is absolutely necessary, if they wish to possess winged Stylopide.
In this way, observations and communications respecting these hitherto little known
creatures will be amassed, from which hereafter the scientific position of these insects
will stand out with greater certainty. As the lecturer has already been called upon
by several Coleopterologists to indicate some means by which these Strepsiptera may
be procured, he thinks it right to recommend the following method of rearing them,
which has even now proved to be very useful; as it is only by breeding that one can
obtain possession of the winged males, for, on account of their smallness, tenderness,
and short, hidden life, they can only very rarely and casually be taken at large. In the
first place, a spacious, light, and airy cage or apartment (Zwinger) must be prepared,
in which flowering Umbellifere (which are eagerly sought by Hymenoptera) may be
placed, and kept fresh by water in glasses; then, nothing must be thought of the trou-
ble of catching the Apide and Andrenide which frequent the flowers of the sallows, and
examining whether they are Stylopized or not, and then carefully placing in the afore-
said cage those which are Stylopized, which may easily be distinguished from those
that are not Stylopized. One proceeds in the same. manner with the Stylopized

Quadrupeds. AQAT

Vespide (Polistes gallica) and Sphegide (Ammophila sabulosa), which are found abun-
dantly on Umbellifere. These insects, although as captives they at first miss their
usual employment and care for their brood, live in their cage for several weeks, espe-
cially if they are from time to time supplied with fresh flowers of Umbellifere spread
over with pounded sugar. Being accustemed to work, they are thus provided with
employment; they busy themselves on the flowers, and lick up the sugar, and their
life is prolonged as long as possible, so that the pupe of the Stylopide contained in
their bodies obtain time to develope, and (in the case of the males) emerge as winged
insects. The Stylopized Hymenoptera are known in the following manner: — The
larve of Strepsiptera living as Entozoa in the cavity of the hinder part of the body of
Hymenoptera, eventually, when about to assume the pupa-state, with the fore part of
the body pierce through the soft portion between the hinder segments of the body of
their foster-parent, where they continue to remain, so that the ever wingless and foot-
less females end their lives there; ‘the males, after a time, thrust the prominent fore-
part of their pupa-case out of the hinder part of the body of their foster-parents, and
flutter out of their confinement. The Hymenoptera which are burdened with male
pup, are known by the dark brown conical fore ends of the pupa-cases projecting be-
tween the segments of the bodies of the bees and wasps; the female Strepsiptera are
distinguished by the light brown scale-formed projecting fore part of the body, which
remains unchangeably fixed, whilst the conical fore part (cephalothorax) of the male
pupa breaks off upon the exclusion of the perfect insect.”

Herr Schiodte, of Copenhagen, who was present as a visitor, made a few remarks
in favour of the proposition that the Strepsiptera should be associated with the Coleo-
ptera; observing that the characters of the latter Order are possessed generally by the
Strepsiptera, though some are in a rudimentary state only, laying stress upon the form
of the mouth and the metamorphosis, as more essential characters of the Coleoptera
than the large prothorax ; and arguing that in such a matter as the position of the
Strepsiptera, the most essential characters of all the Orders, and not the minute detail,
should be considered and compared: from which he was led to believe that the Strep-
siptera, though apparently in some respects anomalous, were more nearly related to
the Coleoptera than to any other Order; and that the opponents of this view should
show that any of the characters of the Coleoptera are not represented in the Strep-
siptera.

Mr. Waterhouse briefly opposed the junction of the Strepsiptera with the Coleo-
ptera, confining himself chiefly to the different development of the prothorax in each
Order, the form of which he considered very characteristic of different groups.

Mr. Westwood also made some similar observations : and argued that the Strepsi-
ptera were more nearly allied to the coarctate Diptera.—J. W. D.

Anecdote of the Oared Shrew (Sorex remifer)—Walking in my garden a few days
ago, I heard a faint, plaintive, wailing noise proceeding from a grass walk on the side
of my orchard. Directing my attention to the spot, I saw a shrew, which, from its
size, I at once knew to be the oared shrew (Sorex remifer), pulling at the hind leg of
a large frog. Froggy evidently did not at all like his position, and what the issue
would have been I can hardly conjecture, had not the shrew chanced to see me, which

4048 Mollusks.

caused him at once to quit his hold of his prey. The poor frog, “nothing loath,” then
made a spring into the nearest strawberry-bed, while mousey retreated into the orchard.
I waited some time without stirring, in the hope that, like the weasel, the shrew might

have again returned to the charge, as I felt interested in the manceuvres of a contest

hitherto new to me; but I was disappointed : — I saw my black friend presently make
a detour into some thick grass, evidently bent upon retreat. Any facts tending to
throw light upon the carnivorous propensities of our insectivorous group of mammals
is interesting, and therefore I record the above otherwise trifling incident. There is
nothing in their dentition sufficiently distinct to separate them from the Carnivora, as
any one may satisfy himself by examining the tripartite wedge-like molars, and the
recurved sharp canines of the common mole. I believe that the acquiescence of natu-
ralists in the opinion that the hedgehog, shrew, and mole feed exclusively on insects,
has alone kept up the generic distinction of the two groups. If your readers will be
kind enough to record every instance in which any of the above (so-called) purely in-
sectivorous quadrupeds are known to feed upon animals higher in the scale than insects,
they will do something towards the union of two orders, at present perhaps artificially
divided. I do not remember seeing Sorex remifer before in my ground; S, araneus
is common enough.—C. R. Bree ; Stowmarket, August, 1853.

Occurrence of Limax Gagates near Tenby, S. Wales. — Only one instance of the
occurrence of this slug has, as I believe, hitherto been recorded as a denizen of Great
Britain, namely, that found by Mr. Derbyshire in the Isle of Portland: it is with much
pleasure therefore that I have to record the capture of a second specimen, taken by
myself in South Wales. Late in the evening of the 22nd of last month, I was stroll-
ing along the old Carmarthen road from Tenby, about a mile from the latter place,
when I discovered my slimy friend taking his evening’s airing on the damp hedge-
bank. The following is a description of him : — Specific character: back carinated
throughout; shield granulated, olivaceous black, with paler sides. Head bluish; ten-
tacles darker, particularly the superior, which are deep violet. Shield ample, squarish,
bilobed behind (being indented by the keel in the centre), granulated, same colour as
the rest of the body. General colour very deep olive, or olivaceous black, becoming
lighter at the sides, so that the margin of the foot is very pale, except near the tail,
where it is darker ; sole nearly white. Keel extending the whole length of the back,
sharply edged ; the edge somewhat darker than the rest of the body. Mucus colour-
less, abundant. Length rather less than 3 inches. The peculiar form when at rest, is
the most remarkable characteristic of this Limax. In this state it assumes a more

younded form than any other slug I am acquainted with, and squeezes. itself into so —
small a compass, that the height is but little exceeded by the length ; for not only are |
the head and tentacles retracted beneath the shield, but even a portion of the foot also: |
while behind, the tail is so much drawn in, that that portion of the body assumes a —
very truncated appearance. This peculiarity is not mentioned by Messrs. Forbes and —
Hanley, nor is it at all conveyed by their figure. — Alfred Merle Norman ; Pyrton, —

Oxfordshire, August 15, 1853.

a
TODD Oooo

Quadrupeds &e. A0A9

Anecdote of the Power of Fascination as exercised by a Fox, with
some Remarks on the exercise of a similar Power by other
Predaceous Animals. By J. H. Gurney, Esq.

I HAVE received the following interesting statement from a respect-
able gamekeeper in the county of Surrey : —

“In May, 1838, I was very much annoyed by the constant visits of
a fox amongst my poultry, as scarcely a night passed but I lost either
a turkey or Guinea-fowl, sometimes partly eaten, sometimes taken
quite away, and at other times left dead, but very little mutilated ;
and as they roosted on a large spreading oak, I was at a loss to know
how a fox could get at them, till one morning, just as day began to
dawn, I heard a great noise among the poultry, and on looking out
from my window, I plainly perceived a fox running round and round
under the place where the poultry sat, and the poultry soon began to
fall from the tree in great confusion. The fox immediately seized its
prey, and I was no longer at a loss to know in what way I had lost
my poultry. The fox was killed within a day or two after, in an ad-
joining paddock, and proved to be a very large male fox. I have not
since lost any poultry in a similar way.”

This account confirms me in an opinion which I have long enter-
tained, that many predaceous animals exercise a species of mesmeric ~
influence over their victims, which greatly facilitates their capture. I
recollect having heard of a cat, which would sit on the house-top, and
catch sparrows which approached her too closely in their vain at-
tempts to drive her from her post; and it is well known that if a cat
or an owl attacks a cage or aviary containing small birds, the latter
constantly fly against the wires, thus enabling their enemy to strike
them through the wire-work. Analogous to this is, in all probability,
the power possessed by rattlesnakes, and some other serpents, of at-
tracting small birds within their reach. And I doubt not that a simi-
lar law of Nature gives rise to the habit which small birds have of
mobbing those birds and animals which make them their prey : as an
illustration of which I may mention a circumstance that came under
my own observation some years since.

A kestrel was flying lazily, slowly, and at but a slight elevation, by
the side of a plantation, closely surrounded and angrily pursued by a
flock of chattering sparrows. For some seconds, or perhaps minutes,
the hawk took no notice of his tormentors; but at length, suddenly
turning on his side in the air, and striking out one foot with a lateral

XI. 2 U

4050 Quadrupeds &e.

motion, he clutched one of the sparrows which had ventured too close
to him, and immediately darted off, carrying away his prey in his
deadly gripe, and quickly distancing the other sparrows which still
pursued him, and from which he seemed previously to have feigned
that he could not escape.

I once saw a golden eagle, which appeared entirely to fascinate a
rabbit that was put into the large cage in which the eagle was kept.
As soon as the rabbit was introduced, the eagle fixed his eye upon it,
and the rabbit intently returned the gaze, and began going round the
eagle in circles, approaching nearer each time, the eagle meanwhile
turning on his axis (as it were) on the block of wood upon which he
was seated, and keeping his eye fixed upon that of the rabbit.

When the rabbit had approached very near to the bottom of the
eagle’s perch, it stood up on its hind legs, and looked the eagle in
the face ; the eagle then made his pounce, which appeared at once to
break the charm, and the rabbit ran for its life, but it was too late for
it to escape the clutch of the eagle, and the instant death which fol-
lowed that tremendous squeeze.

It is well known that a hare or rabbit, if pursued by a stoat or wea-
sel, soon becomes, first bewildered, and then almost paralyzed, by
the consciousness of its pursuer’s advance. May not this again be
another development of the same principle ?

To return to the point where I began, I will in conclusion repeat
another story of turkeys and foxes which I know to be true, but which
I believe has not yet been recorded.

A gamekeeper in Norfolk had under his care a flock of nominally
wild turkeys, descended from some that were imported into Norfolk
from America, during the last century, by the then Earl of Bucking-
hamshire.

These turkeys roosted in a wood which was frequented by foxes, —
and the gamekeeper, wishing to protect the turkeys from their attacks,
moved his dog-kennels under the trees upon which the turkeys perch-
ed, in order that the dogs might act as their guardians against the
foxes. This lasted for some months; after which, the foxes having
been destroyed, the gamekeeper removed his dogs back again to his
own cottage, which was distant about a mile from where they had
been quartered in the wood. On getting up early the next morning,
his surprise was great in observing that the turkeys had followed the
migration of their protectors, and were all roosting on the trees which
overhung the spot to which the dogs and their kennels had just been
removed.

Quadrupeds. 4051

Should these somewhat desultory remarks draw attention to the
subject to which they refer, their insertion in the ‘ Zoologist’ will
perhaps be not altogether useless.

J. H. Gurney.
Easton, Norfolk, August 26, 1853.

Notes on Squirrels. — Amongst the great numbers of these active little animals,
which live here in quiet and security, is a variety which I have never met with else-
where, although it may probably occur in other places. This variety, which is as nu-
merous as the common kind, has the whole of the tail of a flaxen or straw colour; and
this, when elevated above the head and waved about, gives the animals the appear-
ance, when seen at a distance, of holding up a white plume or parasol. ‘There appears
to be no other difference between the two kinds, and whether this arises from any par-
ticular age, I am unable to say. The squirrels may be seen here both in summer and
winter ; even when snow is on the ground, they appear to be almost as much out and
about as in the warmer months, feeding chiefly upon the beech-mast, of which there
are great quantities hanging on and fallen from the trees, and serving as food not only
for the squirrels, but also for large flocks of wood-pigeons which frequent this neigh-—
bourhood, and are then congregated together. The other day, whilst walking round
the lawn, several squirrels crossed the path, and one, at some distance off, appeared to
be encumbered with something it was carrying in its mouth, and which greatly im-
peded its progress. After trying to intercept the squirrel, I got near enough to see
that it was a large mushroom it was carrying to a neighbouring tree, up which it ran
in its usual spiral mode of ascent, and having reached a place of safety, began its re-
past. Of squirrels betaking themselves to such luxuries, I was not before aware, as
there was such a superabundant quantity of their usual kind of food at hand ; but on
inquiring of the keeper whether he had before observed such to be the case, he informed
me that when he had lately lived near a large wood some few miles distant, of which
I had formerly rented the shooting, he had frequently seen the squirrels carrying up
the trees the mushrooms which grew in the cover and adjacent fields, and which they
seemed to eat with a proper degree of relish. But, as has been before observed in
discussing the question of food in former numbers of the ‘ Zoologist,’ it is strange
what apparently unnatural food is resorted to, and the capricious appetite of various
kinds of animals. In many places it is thought strange to see squirrels out of their
drays in hard winter weather, but here, as I have before mentioned, they are constantly
to be met with and tracked at all times, even in the snow, when they appear just as
lively and free from suffering from the severity of the weather, as in the summer months,
They come down the large beech trees, and scratch away the snow-covered moss at
the bottom, where they find plenty of mast for their support, besides whatever other
store of fuod they may have collected and put by for special occasions. They however
do much mischief to growing fir and larch trees by biting off their leading shoots, as
well as by destroying vast quantities of nuts and filberts before they are nearly ripe,
and to obtain which they do not hesitate to run up the fruit-trees planted against the
outer walls, and down the other side into the garden itself, making sad havock with

4052 Birds.

the supposed-to-be-protected filberts within. I have found it an excellent plan, in or-
der to prevent this wholesale destruction, to have a piece of zinc made in the shape of
an inverted basin, and nailed round the stem of the filbert-tree, taking care at the same
time to have all the long pendant branches trimmed off, so that they cannot be reached
from the ground, or from the over-hanging boughs of any adjacent tree,—a precaution
often neglected by gardeners, who are often surprised to find all their care in vain,
because they have left some pea-stick or rake-handle leaning against the tree, so as to
enable the squirrels to reach what they are seeking to obtain, without ascending the
stem of the tree, which the zinc basin will effectually prevent their doing. The same
plan prevents their attacking walnuts. Squirrels do not seem much inclined, except at
particular times, to take the green walnuts before the time for gathering has arrived ;
but not so with the nuts and filberts, of which great quantities may be seen every sum-
mer lying under the trees totally destroyed, so that scarcely a single nut or filbert is
left on the tree, and this long before they are fit for gathering, as if the squirrels had
tried them in mere wantonness one after another, and, finding them unripe, had cast
them underneath, until bushels upon bushels are thus destroyed. This wholesale de-
struction is effectually prevented, and at a most trifling expense, by the method above
mentioned; the same zinc cap or basin will last for many years, and may either be ta-
ken off in winter, or be left on altogether.-- W. H. Slaney ; Hatton Hall, August 10,
1853.

Note on the Vulture or Eagle which is said to attack the trained Falcons of the
Asiatic Falconers.— In a former number (Zool. 3648) I called attention to the above
circumstance, attributed by Lieut. Burton to a species of vulture, and by Mr. Jerdon
to the Bonelli’s eagle. Since that date, this curious subject has been touched upon
in two other works, namely, Mr. Layard’s ‘ Second Expedition to Nineveh, and Mr.
Barker's work on Cilicia, intituled, ‘ Lares and Penates.’ In Mr. Layard’s work (p.
299) occurs the following passage: —‘‘ Suttum came with us, carrying his hawk ‘ Hat-
tab’ on his wrists. * = * Game abounded, and the falcon soon flew towards
a bustard, which his piercing eye had seen lurking in the long grass. The sun was
high in the heavens,—already soaring in the sky was the enemy of the trained hawk,
the ‘ Agab,’ a kind of kite or eagle, whose name, signifying ‘butcher,’ denotes its bloody
propensities. Although far beyond our ken, he soon saw Hattab, and darted upon
him in one swoop. The affrighted falcon immediately turned from his quarry, and,
with shrill cries of distress, flew towards us. After circling round, unable from fear to
alight, he turned towards the desert, still followed by his relentless enemy. In vain
his master, following as long as his mare could carry him, waved the lure, and called
the hawk by his name, — he saw him no more. Whether the noble bird escaped, or
fell a victim to the ‘butcher, we never knew. Suttum was inconsolable at his loss.”
Mr. Layard adds in a note, ‘“‘ Easterns never hawk, if they can avoid it, when the sun
is high, as the bird of prey described in the text then appears in search of food.” Mr.
Barker, in his work on Cilicia (p. 294), speaking of a trained goshawk which he had
in that country, says, “‘ There was nothing he would not fly at, if I would let him go,
and he once actually attacked a vulture, which had carried off one of his companions,
a goshawk belonging to a sporting friend, who was out with me, and who had neg-
lected his bird in pursuing the game his dogs were hot upon.” At p. 297, Mr. Barker

Birds. 4053

also remarks, “ The peregrine of the cliffs of Mount Taurus is smaller than the Eng-
lish peregrine, but more beautifully variegated in plumage. It is known as the ‘ Bar-
bary falcon.’ It is generally kept in the East by rich men, who can afford to have one

‘man, or even two men, for each bird. The hand of the falconer should be its only

perch. Thus treated, its natural wildness is conquered and it may be brought to take
anything, although it is generally kept to protect the doghan (goshawk) from the at-
tacks of its natural enemies, the eagle and vulture.” I hope that the interest which
must attach to this very curious subject, will be considered a sufficient apology for
my requesting insertion of these extracts in the ‘ Zoologist.? — J. H. Gurney, Easton,
Norfolk, August 26, 1853.

Occurrence of the Hobby (Falco subbuteo, Linn.) near Newcastle-on-T'yne.—A male
hobby was shot on our town-moor on the 25th of July last, and is now in the collec-
tion of Mr. Geo. Balmer: another was seen and fired at, but without success. This,
I believe, is the second example that has been obtained in this district, one having
been killed by a boy with a stone, near Tynemouth, about the year 1838, and was in
the possession of the late James Archbold, Esq. — Thos. John Bold ; Bigg Market,
Newcastle-on-Tyne, August 15, 1853.

Occurrence of the Hawfinch and Brambling at Selborne. — On Tuesday last I saw
the hawfinch at Selhborne. This is the third time I have seen it within the last six
years, and it is well known to occur there occasionally. One of our farmers has two
preserved, which were killed in my grounds. I have a beautiful brambling finch,
which was taken at Selborne last winter. — Thos. Bell; 17, New Broad Street, July
18, 1853.

Note on the occurrence of the Rose-coloured Pastor (Pastor roseus) near Norwich.—
I understand that a fine adult male bird of the above beautiful species was procured a
few miles from Norwich in the course of last week.—J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk,
August 26, 1853.

Occurrence of the Dotterel (Charadrius Morinellus) near Dorchester. —- This pretty
bird seems more plentiful than usual in our neighbourhood this year. Last Monday,
the 29th of August, two were shot by a gentleman, one in my presence, on the sea-
shore at Church-hope Bay, in the Isle of Portland, and another on his way from thence
to Weymouth, upon the Small-mouth Sands: I also saw another on that day. Both
of those shot were young birds, in good condition, and very sweetly plumaged.—John
Garland ; Dorchester, September 2, 1853.

Occurrence of Temminck’s Stint (Tringa Temminckii) near Penzance.—Temminck’s
stint appears to be by no means a rare bird in the salt marshes in this neighbourhood,
during the autumnal migratory movement. On Saturday last I observed one flushed
by the train passing over the Marazion Marsh ; it rose and dropped precisely like a
Jack snipe, and might have been mistaken for it, but for its smaller size. Three spe-
cimens were obtained from the same locality a few days since by Mr. Vingoe, and he
observed at the same time a flock of at least a dozen. Independently of the differ-
ence in the length of the tarsus, Mr. Vingoe tells me that he can invariably distinguish
this species from the little stint (Zringa minuta) by its call-note, which resembles more
that of the common cricket, whereas the note of the little stint is like its own name,—
“Stint, Stint.’”— Edward Hearle Rodd; Penzance, August 26, 1853.

A054 WVotices of New Books.

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

‘A Naturalist’s Rambles on the Devonshire Coast’ By PHILIP
Henry Gosse. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row.
1853. Price 21s.

ScarcELy have we pronounced a most favourable opinion of Mr.
Gosse’s ‘ Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica,’ than we are called upon to
review another book from the same pen, equally beautiful, equally
amusing, and equally instructive. Mr. Gosse produces the beautiful,
the amusing, and the instructive, with a rapidity we have seldom seen
equalled, and never surpassed. This book is a fit companion to the
‘Sojourn ;’ like that it is a series of pictures which it must delight the
lover of Nature to look upon: in the former we were introduced to
the inhabitants of earth, in this we are made familiar with the deni-
zens of ocean; we are bid to look upon the wonders of the deep; the
plant-animals of the sea are revealed to us in all their loveliness, are
presented to us in their most attractive forms; and not these only,
but also mollusks and crustaceans, whose living and moving charac-
ters are here for the first time laid down.

The desultory manner in which Mr. Gosse has arranged his pen-
pictures is, we think, one great charm of the book: we are led onwards
without any risk of being tired by scientific technicalities. Here is a
picture of Anthea : —

“In a large vase of sea-water Anthea’s actions are as peculiar as its
appearance. It is fond of climbing up the sides of the glass, a feat
which it accomplishes with a considerable measure of (comparative)
activity. It glides up by the broad fleshy base, pretty much in the
same manner as a Gasteropod does by its expanded foot; and yet the

process is not exactly the same. The power which Anthea has of |

inflating portions of its body, swelling them out in large tumid lobes
separated by deep sulci from the rest of the circumference, assists it
in crawling. We will suppose the Anthea resting on the bottom of
the vessel, when it feels a desire to mount the sides of the glass.
Pushing out a great inflated lobe towards that side the sole of which
is free from the surface, it takes hold of the glass with the edge of the
lobe, and when the contact is firm, relaxing its former hold, it slowly
drags forward the body, until the lobe is again lost in the general cir-
cumference, or even till the body projects in two smaller lobes one on
each side of the principal one. The base being now made firmly to
adhere, again the lobe is freed, and again protruded, and the same

Notices of New Books. 4055

process is repeated until the animal is satisfied with the position that
it has gained. Sometimes this is at mid-height, the intertwined ten-
tacles streaming loosely down by their own weight. At other times
it rises to the very water’s edge, and even thrusts out its base in an
inverted position upon the surface of the water,. as if it would float by
the mere contact of the dry base with the air, just as the Limnez and
many other Molluscado. It does not, however, so far as I can judge,
appear capable of quite accomplishing this; but it can remain so sus-
pended, if the slightest possible portion of the margin remain in adhe-
sive contact with the side of the glass.* A little shaking of the vessel,
however, causes the water to overflow the surface of the base, which
had been hitherto dry, when the animal falls prone to the bottom.”—
PL ae

Let us now learn the history of the Daisy Anemone.

“All along this line of limestone rock, in almost every tide-pool
and hollow that retains the sea-water, from the size of one’s hand up-
wards, we may at any time find colonies of the lovely daisy Anemone
(Actinia bellis). In the sunshine of a fair day they expand beauti-
fully, and you may see them studding the face of a rock, just beneath

the surface, from the size of a shilling to that of a crown piece. No-

thing seems easier than to secure them, but no sooner do the fingers
touch one, than its beautifully circular disk begins to curl and pucker
its margin, and to incurve it in the form of a cup; if further annoyed,
the rim of this cup contracts more and more, until it closes, and the
animal becomes globose and much diminished, receding all the time
from the assault, and retiring into the rock. Presently you discover
that you can no longer touch it at all; it is shrunk to the bottom of
its hole, the sharp irregular edges of which project and furnish a stony
defence to the inhabitant. Nothing will do but the chisel, and this is
by no means easy of appliance. It is rare that the position of the
hole is such as to allow of both arms working with any ease ; the rock
is under water, and often if your chisel is short, it is wholly immersed
during the work, when every blow which the hammer strikes upon its
head has to fal! upon a stratum of water, which splashes forcibly into
your eyes and over your clothes; the rock is very hard, and the chisel
makes little impression; and what is frequently the greatest disap-
pointment of all, the powdery débris produced by the bruising of the
stone mingles with the water and presently makes it perfectly opaque,

* “T have seen one, however, floating quite freely on the surface of the vessel, base
uppermost.”

4056 Notices of New Books.

as if a quantity of powdered chalk had been mixed with it, so that you
cannot see how to direct the blows, you cannot discern whether you
have uncovered the Actinia or not, and frequently are obliged to give
up the attempt when nearly accomplished, simply because you can
neither see hole nor Actinia, and as to feeling in the pap-like mud
that your implement has been making, it is out of the question. Sup-
posing, however, that you have got on pretty well, that by making a
current in the pool with your hand you have washed away the clouded
water sufficiently to see the whereabouts, and that you perceive that
another well-directed blow or two will split off the side of the cavity,
— you have now to take care so to proportion the force, that at last
you may neither crush the animal with the chisel on the one hand,
nor, on the other, drive it off so suddenly that it shall fall with the
fragment to the bottom of the pool out of reach.

“‘ However, we will suppose you have happily detached and secured
your Actinia without injury. But how unlike its former self, when
you were desirous of making its closer acquaintance, is it now! A
little hard globose knob of flesh, not so big as a schoolboy’s marble,
is the creature that just now expanded to the sun’s rays a lovely disk
of variegated hues, with a diameter greater than that of a Spanish dol-
lar. It is moreover covered with tenacious white slime, which exudes
from it faster than you can clear it away; and altogether its appear-
ance is anything but inviting. You throw it into a jar of water, which
of course you have with you when collecting living zoophytes, and
thus bring it home, when you transfer it to a tumbler or other suitable
vessel of clear sea-water freshly drawn. And here let us watch its
changes ; which however will not be effected immediately : for it will
not expand itself in all its original beauty until it has taken a fresh
attachment for its base, which will not in all probability be for a day
or two at least.

“The body or stem of Actinia bellis is more or less cylindrical ge-
nerally ; though subject to some change in this respect, for it is occa-
sionally a little enlarged, as it approaches the disk: the sucking base
is slightly larger than the diameter of the body, which in specimens
of an inch and a half expanse, may be about half an inch.

“The length of the body varies much, according to the depth of
the cavity in which the animal lives, for it must expand its disk at the
surface. In the open water in a vase, when it appears at home, it
may commonly be about an inch from the base to the expansion of
the disk, but I have a beautiful specimen before my eye at this mo-
ment, which has stretched itself to a height of three inches, expanding

Notices of New Books. 4057

at the extremity as usual: the thickness of the stem is in: this case
somewhat diminished. From the upper part of the cylindrical stem
or body, the disk abruptly spreads around to the width above indi-
cated. In this respect A. bellis differs so greatly from other littoral
species of sea Anemones, that it can never be mistaken by those who
have once seen it. In these, the disk is merely the termination of a
short thick column, occasionally a little expanded over the edge; in
bellis, however, the diameter of the disk is generally four times that
of the body, at the point from which it expands. Its form, viewed
externally, is that of a shallow cup, but its surface is in general almost
flat, or a very little depressed to the centre. The whole bears a like-
ness closer than usual to a flower, with a foot-stalk. The disk is so
thin and membranous, that it is continually changing its form; the
margin is frequently bent over outwardly or inwardly in places ; as it
lies on the uneven rock, it accommodates itself to the roughnesses, and
is hence often irregularly undulated ; it very commonly bends inward
at the edge in several places, so as to make puckers or frilled scal-
lopings around the margin. And this surely must be meant by what
writers describe and draw as ‘ lobes’ to the disk; for of lobes proper
it has none, not the slightest trace: the outline of the disk is most
perfectly and beautifully circular; and I find it often expanded in this
state, without any puckering or festooning.

“The tentacles are small but numerous: they are arranged in about
six rows; the innermost series contains about twelve tentacles ; the
next about the same number; the third about twice as many; the
fourth is again doubled ; the fifth increases in the same proportion ;
and the sixth contains about thrice as many as the fifth. This ratio, if
accurately carried out, would give a total of 768 tentacles to one Acti-
nia, a number which is not far from the mark, although, as in other
species, the rows are not quite regular. The inmost series of tentacles
is usually erect, or even inclines inwards, the others decline more and
more towards the circumference ; until the outmost two or three rows ~
lie quite flat upon the disk, to which the exterior one of all forms
an exquisite fringe: all the rows are small, but they diminish out-
wardly in size, and more rapidly the nearer they approach the edge ;
those of the outmost row are very minute, the longest (for they are not
equal) not exceeding the sixteenth of an inch in length, and some
being only tiny tubercles: they are slender, and set so close together
that I counted sixty in an inch.

“The mouth is oblong, sometimes contracted to a slit, at others
showing a sub-oval, or lozenge-shaped opening, with the lips within

XI. 2X

4058 Notices of New Books.

finely crenated. Delicate depressed lines diverge from the mouth to
the circumference of the disk, by tracing which we shall find that the
convex space included between two lines leads to and terminates in a
tentacle ; the disk may be in fact described as formed of the roots of
the tentacles soldered together. Viewed from the outside, with a
strong light behind, the substance of the disk is exquisitely beautiful,
—the diverging but almost parallel fibres resembling the grain of a
beautiful piece of wainscot, and each ending abruptly with a rounded
point, where the tentacle springs up from the surface on the opposite
side.

“The colours of this very lovely Actinia I have not found to vary
much. The base is white, which as it ascends becomes flesh-colour-
ed, then lilac, passing (at about the point where the disk expands) into
a dull grayish purple, more or less tinged with brown. The upper
part of the stem, and the whole of the outer surface of the disk, are
studded with pale spots, which are the extremities of tubular glands,
one use of which is to attach, by a kind of suction, minute bits of
shell, gravel, &c., to the surface, for concealment as is supposed. I
have not seen this habit commonly resorted to by this species, but I
have witnessed it. :

“The upper surface of the disk is of a rich, deep, umber-brown,
often mottled with gray at the first row of tentacles, and merging into
gray, lavender-colour or white, towards the third or fourth row. The
tentacles are tapered to a point: they are grooved longitudinally on
the upper side; they are commonly dark brown at the base, and yel-
lowish brown through the rest of their length, blotched and speckled
with white. Those of the inmost row, and frequently some of the
others, have one or two broad rings of pure conspicuous white near
the basal part, and a broad spot of white divided by a brown line
lengthwise, on the disk just at their foot. There is some diversity in
the proportions of brown and gray in different individuals, but the
yellowish brown tentacle studded with whitish specks is, I think, cha-
racteristic.

“There is, however, a very marked variety ; for although I at first
was disposed to consider it distinct, it must, I feel sure, be referred to
this species. In a specimen before me from Capstone Hill, Ifra-
combe, the disk and tentacles are unrelieved by any trace of white
or gray, being of an uniform dark brown, except that the tentacular
ridges that cross the disk are bounded on each side by a fine line of
scarlet, scarcely visible except with a lens; its effect is however to
give a tint of chocolate to the surface. The outside of this specimen

Notices of New Books. 4059

differs not materially from the common state ; it is, however, of a par-
ticularly bright crimson, instead of purplish.

“ That this is a variety of A. bellis is manifest, because I have ano-
ther on the table from the same locality, which beautifully connects
the two states. This is a very handsome specimen: the disk is deep
brown, almost black, with the fine lines of scarlet diverging from the
centre as in that just described. The tentacles are some of them
brown, with one or two specks only of white near the base, and others
mottled in the ordinary manner with dark brown, light brown, gray
and white; what is strange is, that these varieties of colour are dis-
posed in groups, a cluster of tentacles of the former hues, and then a
batch of the latter. The scarlet runs up around the base of each ten-
tacle, flushing its lower parts in a very elegant style ; and the oral
aperture is marked around the very edge with conspicuous white
tooth-like lines. This specimen was remarkable for the extent to
which it was clothed with coarse gravel, and for the tenacity with
which it held fast its strange stony garment, not dropping a fragment
even after several days’ captivity. In general, Actiniz drop their gra-
vel coats soon after they are put into a vessel of clear water.

“It is for the most part a stationary species, and that not only in
its own selected hole in the rock-pool, but even in captivity. It sel-
dom leaves the spot in the glass vessel to which it has once attached
itself. I have had a specimen, however, take it into his head to be a
traveller, after several weeks’ residence in one spot; he walked off in
a straight line to a distance of four inches, performing the feat, at a
pretty uniform rate, in about eight hours, or half an inch per hour.

“In order to examine the structure of the tentacles, I cut off with a
fine pair of scissors the tips of one or two, and submitted them to the
microscope upon the compressorium. As soon as the pressure began
to flatten them, it became apparent that the tentacle was composed of
rather thick gelatinous walls surrounding a tubular centre. The lat-
ter was filled with a vast multitude of very minute granules of a rich
sienna-brown hue, and almost quite globular in form, all being quite
alike in shape, colour, and dimensions. These escaped by thousands,
on the increase of the pressure, from the tip of the tentacle, where
there was evidently a natural orifice forced open by the pressure, but
ordinarily, as I suppose, kept firmly closed by muscular action. The
gelatinous walls of the tentacle contained, imbedded in their sub-
Stance, a goodly number (not so immense as in some other species) of
those highly curious organs known as the filiferous capsules. They
are in this case very minute, being about one twelve-hundredth part

4060 Notices of New Books.

of an inch in length, almost linear, and slightly curved. The pres-
sure being continued, each of these little organs suddenly shoots forth
from one end to a great length, a slender highly elastic thread, which
had hitherto been coiled up spirally within its cavity. The expulsion
of this thread is effected by a proper organism, excited by the pres-
sure on the tissues of the tentacle, but not forced out by the compres-
sion of the capsule itself, for this is much too minute to be compressed
by the glass plates, under any power that can be brought to bear upon
them. It is supposed that the adhesive touch of the tentacles resides
in these little organs, and that a poisonous fluid accompanies the
emission of the thread ; since the mere contact of a tentacle with any
small animal appears at once to paralyze it, however lively it may
have been but a moment before. If this be so, what a highly curious
example is here of the wondrously effective provision which the infi-
nite resources of the Divine Wisdom have made for the wants of every
creature ! ”—P. 25.

Let us contrast with this a passage on the economical uses of these
sea-flowers. We confess without reservation our entire previous igno-
rance of the esculent properties of an Actinia. There is something
perhaps a little revolting in the idea of frying a sea Anemone in egg
and bread-crumbs, but it is certainly only on a par with scalloping a
living oyster.

“And now fora paragraph of cookery. Dicquemare’s testimony
to the excellence of Actinia crassicornis for the table, tempted me to
taste it, and I determined to take an early opportunity of cooking a
few. In a few minutes I collected some half-dozen, of different sizes,
at low water near Wildersmouth, and having rubbed them with my
fingers in a tide-hole till the coating of gravel was pretty well got rid
of, brought them home. I put them into a pan of sea-water for the
night to cleanse them, and most beautiful and gorgeous was the ap-
pearance they presented when expanded ; no two alike in colours,
and yet all so lovely that it was difficult to say which excelled. Per-
haps one with the tentacles partly cream-colour and partly white was
as beautiful as any.

“The next morning, however, I began operating. As it was an
experiment, I did not choose to commit my pet morsels to the ser-
vants, but took the saucepan into my own hand. As I had no infor-
mation as to how long they required boiling, [ had to find it out for
myself. Some I put into the water (sea-water) cold, and allowed it to
boil gradually. As soon as the water boiled, I tried one; it was tough
and evidently undone. The next I took out after three minutes’ boil-

Notices of New Books. 4061

ing; this was better: and one at five minutes was better still; but not
so good as one which had boiled ten. I then put the remaining ones
into boiling water, and let them remain over the fire boiling fast for
ten minutes, and these were the best of all, being more tender, as well
as of a more inviting appearance.

“I must confess that the first bit I essayed caused a sort of lumpy
feeling in my throat, as if a sentinel there guarded the way, and said
‘It shan’t come here.’ This sensation, however, I felt to be unworthy
of a philosopher, for there was nothing really repugnant in the taste.
As soon as I had got one that seemed well cooked, I invited Mrs. G.
to share the feast ; she courageously attacked the morsel, but I am
compelled to confess it could not pass the vestibule; the sentinel was
too many for her. My little boy, however, voted that ‘’tinny was
good, and that ‘he liked ’tinny, and loudly demanded more, like ano-
ther Oliver Twist. As for me, I proved the truth of the adage, — Ce
n'est que le premier pas qui coute ; for my sentinel was cowed after
the first defeat. I left little in the dish.

“In truth the flavour and taste are agreeable, somewhat like those
of the soft parts of crab; I ate them hot, with the usual crab-condi-
ments of salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar, mixed into a sauce. The
internal parts, including the ovaries and the tentacles, though from
their mottled appearance rather repelling to the eye, were the most
agreeable in taste; the integuments somewhat reminded me of the
jelly-like skin of a calf’s head. J wonder they are not commonly
brought to table, for they are easily procured, and are certainly far
superior to cockles, periwinkles, and mussels. After a very little use,
I am persuaded any one would get very fond of boiled Actinias.

“Some I had left with a little of the gravel still adhering, in order to
see whether this would be thrown off, when life departed ; but it was
not so. They should be cleansed before cooking, which can be easily
and quickly done with the fingers under water: the base also should
be scraped, so as to remove any bits of slate, or rock, or dirt, that ad-
here to it. Attention to these particulars greatly improves the appear-
ance when cooked. They are of a pellucid rosy hue, of a firm consis-
tence ; at least sufficiently firm to be readily cut with a knife.

“The next that I tried were prepared in a different manner, and,
truth to say, the experiment was far more successful this time. I
cleansed them more perfectly, carefully scraping the bases, until they
were freed from every particle of extraneous matter and from slime.
These I had fried in egg and bread-crumbs, and they were very far
superior to even the best on the former occasion. All prejudice

4062 Notices of New Books.

yielded to their inviting odour and appearance, and the whole table
joined in the repast with indubitable gusto. I know not if my readers
are familiar with a dish which, in Newfoundland, during the cod-fish-
iny season, we used to consider worthy of an epicure,—the tongues of
the cod taken out as soon as the fish are brought on shore, and fried
immediately. The Actiniz fried as above described, I should scarce-
ly be able to distinguish, either by the eye or by the taste, from fresh
cods’ tongues, except that perhaps my protégés are slightly firmer in
consistence.”—P. 150.

(To be continued).

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 69, dated
September, 1853. Price 2s. 6d.

Tuis number contains the following papers : —

‘ Notes on some new or little-known Marine Animals. By P. H.
Gosse. The species mentioned are: — Hippolyte fascigera, Gosse,
H. Cranchii, Leach, H. Thompsoni, Sell, and Crangon sculptus,
Beli, all of them Crustaceans, of the family Palemonide ; Mysis pro-
ductus, Gosse, a Crustacean of the family Myside ; and Scholanthus
callimorphus, Gosse, a Radiate, of the family Actiniade.

“On two new Species of Calanidz, with Observations on the Sper-
matic Tubes of Pontella, Diaptomus, &c.’ By John Lubbock, Esq.,
F.Z.S.

‘Notes on the Ornithology of Ceylon, collected during an Eight
Years’ Residence in the Island... By Edgar Leopold Layard, C.C.S.

‘On the Head of the Genus Conus, Linn.’ By J. E. Gray, Ph.D.,
FRS4 ViB.LS., &c.

‘On the Animal of Rotella, Zamk. By J. EK. Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S.,
VuP:Z,S4:tes

‘On the Phosphorescence of some Marine Invertebrata.’ By M. de
Quatrefages. Extracted originally from the ‘ Annales des Sciences
Naturelles.’

‘On some new Carboniferous Limestone Fossils” By Frederick
M‘Coy, F.G.S., Hon. F.C.P.S., Professor of Mineralogy and Geology
in the Queen’s University of Ireland. |

Bibliographical Notices: —‘ A Naturalist’s Rambles on the Devon-
shire Coast.’ By P. H. Gosse, A.L.S., &c.

Notices of New Books. 4063

Proceedings of Societies : — Zoological—Botanical of Edinburgh.

Miscellaneous: — On the Movements of the Blood in the Pulmo-
nary Arachnida; by Emile Blanchard. Extracted from the ‘ Comptes
_ Rendus,’ June 20, 1853, p.1079. The Tibetan Badger of Hodgson;
by J. E. Gray, Ph.D. Note on the Germination of the Spores in the
Uredines; by L.R.Tulasne. Extracted from the ‘ Comptes Rendus,’
June 20, 1853, p. 1093.

‘On the Duration of Life in the Queen, Drone, and Worker of
the Honey Bee.’ By J.G. DesBoroucH, Esq. London: Long-
mans. 1853. Price 1s.

Tus is the Prize Essay of the Entomological Society of London
for 1852, and also appears in the ‘ Transactions’ of that Society. The
author’s facts appear to have been carefully observed and fairly re-
corded, and his essay is replete with information on many other points
of bee history, besides the duration of life.

From a multitude of observations, the author is induced to believe
the life of a queen bee to extend to three or four years ; and those of
a drone and a worker to vary from two to eight months: the life of a
drone he regards as permissive only, the workers killing it whenever
instinct so directs: the summer months, July and August, give more
work, and consequently more wear and tear to the worker, than any
others, consequently their life is then the shortest ; while in winter,
from an absence of exhausting causes, their life is proportionably
longer. The essay is well worth reading.

‘ Shells and their Inhabitants. The Genera of Recent Mollusca
arranged according to their Organization. By Henry and
ARTHUR Apams. Parts III., IV., and V.; June, August, and
September, 1853. London: Van Voorst. Price 2s. 6d. each
Part.

THIs work continues to deserve all that we have previously said in
its praise.

Part III. contains the Pteropodous genus Cymodocea, and the fol-
lowing genera of Gasteropoda : — Murex, Typhis, Trophon, Fusus,

4064 Notices of New Books.

Neptunea, Cassidulus, Hemifusus, Pisania, Metula, Cantharus, Cla-
vella, Kuthria, Turris, Drillia, Bela, Lachesis, Clavatula, Perrona and
Defrancia.

Part IV. contains the following genera of Gasteropoda : — Daph-
nella, Cythara, Mangelia, Tritonium, Distortio, Bursa, Buccinum,
Eburna, Cominella, Northia, Truncaria, Bullia, Pseudo-strombus,
Phos, Desmoulea, Nassa, Neritula, Teimostoma, Nassaria, Cyllene,
Chorus, Purpura, and Lopas.

Part V. contains the following genera of Gasteropoda: — Vexilia,
Pentadactylus, Acanthina, Pseudoliva, Pinaxia, Conchopatella, Cuma,
Ropana, Rhizochilus, Separatista, Melapium, Rapa, Leptoconchus,
Campulotus, Harpa, Olivancularia, Agaronia, Dactylus, Peristernia,
Leucozonia, Fastigiella, Vasum, Mazza, Cymbium, Melo, Aulica,
Olivella, Dipsaccus, Ancilla, Fasciolaria, Busycon, Tudicla, and
Latirus.

The figures of these shells, accompanied as they are by those of the
living animals, by Mr. J. de C. Sowerby, are most admirable.

‘ Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. Vol. IL.,
New Series, Part V., published on the \st of June, 1853; price
4s.: and Part VI., published on the 1st of September, 1858 ;
price 3s.

Part V. contains 48 8vo. pages of Transactions, and 48 pages of
Proceedings, together with 2 plates. The papers are intituled : —

‘Notices of some new Strepsipterous Insects from Albania, with
further Observations on the Habits, Transformations, and Sexual
Economy of these Parasites.” By 8. S. Saunders, Esq. (Concluded). .

‘On the Duration of Life in the Queen, Drone, and Worker of the
Honey Bee; to which are added Observations on the Practical Im-
portance of this Knowledge, in deciding whether to preserve Stocks
or Swarms; being the Prize Essay of the Entomological Society of
London for 1852.’ By J. G. Desborough, Esq.

‘ Descriptions of New Genera and Species of Curculionides.’ By
G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., F.Z.S.

The plates illustrate the economy of the Stylopites: we decline call-
ing them Strepsiptera, since entomologists are now generally agreed
in considering them Coleopterous.

Entomological Society. 4065

Part VI. contains 32 pages of Transactions and 8 of Proceedings,
besides 2 plates. The papers are the conclusion of that by Mr.
Waterhouse, the title of which is given above, and —

‘Contributions to the Natural History of British Micro-Lepido-
ptera. By J. W. Douglas, Esq.

The plates illustrate Mr. Douglas’s paper on the Micro-Lepidoptera.

It would be a work of supererogation to give any analysis of the
contents of these parts, seeing how full an abstract of the several pa-
pers has already appeared in these pages; but we may nevertheless
commend them most cordially to the notice of entomologists.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

September 5, 1853.—J. O. Westwoop, Esq., V.P., in the Chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors: — The ‘ Zoologist’ fur September; by the Editor. The ‘ Literary Gazette’ for
August; by the Editor. The ‘Atheneum’ for August; by the Editor. The ‘Journal
of the Society of Arts, for August; by the Society. ‘Smithsonian Contributions to
Knowledge,’ Vol. V. Washington, 1853: ‘Sixth Annual Report of the Board of
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution: ’ Norton’s ‘ Literary Register’ for 1853:
‘Portraits of North American Indians, with Sketches of Scenery, &c.’; all by the
Smithsonian Institution. ‘A Treatise on some of the Insects of New England which
are injurious to Vegetation, by Thaddeus William Harris, M.D. Second Edition.
Boston, 1852; by the Author. ‘ On two new Species of Calanide, with Observations
‘on the Spermatic Tubes of Pontella, Diapotamus, &c.,’ by John Lubbock, Esq., F.Z.S. ;
by the Author. ‘ Bibliotheca Stephensiana ; being a Catalogue of the Entomological
Library of the late James Francis Stephens, Esq., F.L.S., which has been preserved
entire, and is now removed to Mouuntsfield, Lewisham, where it may be consulted by
any Entomologist every Wednesday evening, as heretofore. One copy for the Libra-
ry, bound, and fifty copies for distribution among the Members; by H. T. Stainton,
Esq. ‘ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie, Nos. 8—12, for 1852, and Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 and
6, for 1853; by the Editor, M.Guérin-Méneville. ‘ Catalogue des Larves des Coléo-
ptéres connues jusqu’ ace jour, avec la Description de plusieurs Espéces nouvelles,
par M. F. Chapuis, Docteur en Médecine et en Sciences Naturelles, et M. E. Can-
déze, Docteur en Médecine. Liége, 1853; by the Authors. Three boxes of butter-
flies ; by Thos. Jones Stevens, Esq., of Bogota, Corresp. M.E.S. Six specimens of
Aglossa cuprealis, taken in an out-house belonging to a flour and oil mill in Cam-
bridgeshire ; by Mr. Bond.

Mr. Moore exhibited a box of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, recently captured by
him at New Brighton, Cheshire.

Mr. Weir exhibited Coleophora Inule ? bred from Eupatorium Cannabinum, Co-
leophora Wockeella and its larva-case, found attached to a shoot of Genista tinctoria,
and Gelechia lentiginosella, bred from Genista tinctoria, all from Pembury, Kent;

Pa P 2Y

4066 Entomological Society.

also the larva of a Coleophora found feeding on a capsule of Silene inflata, and Tor-
trix dumetana from Lewes.

Mr. Edwin Shepherd exhibited Coleophora Vulnerarie, Heliothis peltigera, Odon-
tia dentalis, Pionea margaritalis, and two specimens of an albino variety of EKudorea
pyralella, all from the neighbourhood of Dover.

Mr. Stevens exhibited a remarkable dark variety of Limenitis Sybilla from Essex,
and a new British species of Simaethis from Arundel, captured in August.

Mr. Edleston sent for exhibition the head of a Plusia bractea, which he had sepa-
rated from the moth in order to ascertain the nature of a singular body firmly attached
to each eye, and which he had ascertained to be an anther of honeysuckle, from the
flowers of which the moth is known to feed. These anthers were strongly affixed by
their viscid extremities ; and Mr. E. mentioned that he had seen several other exam-
ples on this species of moth.

Mr. Wing exhibited Ypsolophus Verbascellus, a new British species, bred from
leaves of Verbascum floccosum, from Norwich, and Exeretia Allisella, beaten from
Artemisia campestris near Lowestoft.

Mr. Douglas exhibited some Lepidopterous larve mining in leaves of Cornus san-
guinea, from which, when full fed, they cut out an oval case in which to pass the win-
ter. These larve, he said, were destitute of true legs, and had only indications of
eight ventral and two anal prolegs. The species of moth produced from them is un-
known. He likewise exhibited Gelechia Brizella, a species hitherto known as British
only by a single specimen, and Coleophora binotapennella (/. v. R.), Dup., both
taken by him on the cvast at Brighton in August, having been previously discovered
there by Mr. Hemmings; the former among Statice Armeria, the latter among Che-
nopodium maritimum and Salicornia herbacea.

Mr. Stainton exhibited some larve of Gracillaria Phasianepennella in the curious
cases formed by them in the leaves of Polygonum Hydropiper, received from Professor
Zeller, of Glogau. These cases closely resemble the truncated cones figured by Reau-
mur on leaves of sorrel, which figures are copied in Rennie’s ‘ Insect Architecture.’
He also exhibited larve of Cosmopteryx Zeiglerella, feeding on leaves of the hop, and
larve of Elachista testaceella, feeding on leaves of Torilis Anthriscus, Sison Amomum,
and other Umbelliferous plants, observing that the larve of E. Iligerella probably
feed in a similar manner on the under side of the leaves of some of the Umbellifere.

Mr. Waring exhibited a specimen of Eudorea phzoleuca, recently captured by him
in the Isle of Portland. This species is probably identical with E. Portlandica.

The Secretary read an extract of a letter from Dr. Candéze of Liége, stating that
he was about to commence a Monograph of the Elateride, and wished to enter into
correspondence with English entomologists, with a view to exchange specimens of
Belgian and French species for those of England and other countries.

Read the following note on a letter from Mr. Weaver to Mr. Douglas : —

“ Mr. Weaver writes from Loch Rannoch, September Ist, that he has this year
taken several larve of the Lasiocampa described by Dr. Palmer in 1847, under the
name of L. Callune (Zool. 1665); and that he is more than ever convinced that it is
distinct from L. Querctis. He has now noticed that these larve changed their last
skin in June, and spun their cocoons to assume the pupa state, from the middle to the
end of August: and they will not appear as perfect insects till next year. He has in-
variably found that this moth takes two years to go through its changes, whereas L.

British Association. 4067

Querciis is perfected in one year; and he looks upon this fact, coupled with the period
of the last moult of the larva, as the strongest proof of its being a distinct species.”

Read an extract of a letter addressed to Mr. Douglas by Mr. Edleston of Man-
chester, in which that gentleman offers specimens of Plusia bractea to any entomologist
who may apply for them.

Read also the following extract of a letter to Mr. Douglas, from Mr. John Scott,
of Renfrew : —

“ Before receiving your letter I had been making inquiries respecting Gelechia
cerealella, and find that two years ago a cargo of grain (barley) was laid in the granary
from Alicante, in Spain, but that since this there had been British barley also deposited ;
it might happen that the moths were first reared from foreign grain, and have gone on
accumulating ever since. I have now upwards of a hundred specimens set, and ob-
serve in one of my glasses today, a male and female in copula. It has as much right
to be considered British as the beetle, Calandra granaria.”

The quarterly part of the Society’s ‘ Transactions’ was on the table.—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

Section C.— Geology and Physical Geography. Prof. Sepawick, President. A
paper was read, intituled,

“On the Remains of the Hippopotamus, found in the Aire Valley Deposit, near
Leeds,” by H. Denny. The bones exhibited were obtained from the brick-field at Wort-
ley, near Leeds, and consisted of a large humerus, an ulna and radius, and numerous
portions of the skull and jaws, teeth, tusks, &c. They belonged to three individuals ;
two adults of different size, and a third younger animal, judging from the smooth and
pointed canines and the separate epiphyses of the bones. They appeared not to have
been drifted from a distance, but to have belonged to animals which lived and died on
the spot: one of the skeletons was entire when first discovered, resting on its side, with
the bones in their natural position. The clay in which the bones were found is part of
a local deposit, consisting sometimes of sand and gravel formed from the neighbouring
rocks of millstone grit; it is from ten to twenty feet deep, and ceases at a height of
about ninety-five feet above the present level of the river. It contains trees and
hazel-nuts, and remains of the red deer, horse, pig, and goat. A few remains of the
elephant had been found lower down in the same valley, but they were broken and
water-worn.

Prof. Phillips referred to two pieces of pottery alleged by the brick-makers to have
been found with the bones; one of these was of a different colour from the clay, and
the other was a glazed fragment, apparently of very modern date. Mr. H. E. Strick-
land referred to other valley deposits in which remains of the hippopotamus occur, and
stated his belief that although more ancient than the historic period, they belonged to
the most modern geological age,—to a time subsequent to the glacial period, and after
the river valleys had assumed their preseut form.

4068 British Association.

Section D.—Zoology and Botany, including Physiology. C.C. Basrneron, Esq.,
‘ President. The following papers were read ; —

“ Notices of some Living Aquatic Birds at Santry House, near Dublin,” by W. C.
Domville. This paper consisted of a list of birds, also of those which were desiderata
iu the collection. Mr. Allis, of York, observed that the collection contained no birds
of great rarity.

‘On some Discoveries relative to the Chick in Ovo, and its Liberation from the
Shell,” by Dr. Horner.

“ Notice of the Reproduction of the Lower Extremities in a Warm-blooded Ani-
mal,” by Mr. Allis. The case was that of a common song-thrush. In November,
1851, it moulted, and had every appearance of dying; was reduced to a skeleton and
unable to walk ; it lay on its back for six weeks, being fed by hand with raw beef, and
occasionally with beef-tea and biscuit; early in 1852 an unusual protuberance ap-
peared at the bottom and in front of the tibia above the ankle-joint; from these pro-
tuberances perfect tarsi and toes were developed, which came to maturity in about
three weeks ; this annoyed the bird greatly, and he destroyed the newly-formed mem-
bers with his beak and by friction on the perch. He moulted again in September,
1852, and in November he lost his original tarsi, and new ones were produced; in Ja-
nuary last fresh tarsi were again produced ; these displaced those formed in November
from articulation with the tibia, and the displaced tarsi are now visibly located on the
upper edge of those produced in January last, which latter differ greatly from the nor-
mal form, being larger and flatter, and bearing a resemblance to the tarsi of aquatic
birds ; they have feeble though perfectly developed toes, which are sufficient for the
purpose of locomotion, and to enable the bird to perch. The living bird, showing the
one pair of tarsi overlying these subsequently produced, was-exhibited to the Section
by Mr. R. Cook, of York, its owner.

Mr. A Strickland referred to an instance of additional feet growing from the fet-
locks of a mare. Prof. Allman referred to the well-known fact of persons with super-
numerary fingers as analogous to this case. Dr. Redfern regarded the production not
as an extra limb, but as a substitute for one that was lost. Dr. Lankester pointed out
the fact of its occurring after a diseased condition, as placing the feet in quite a diffe-
rent relation to the cases related, — which were congenital, and not a new or acquired
organic action.

“On the Utricular Structure of the Endochrome ina Species of Conferva,” by
Prof. Allman. The plant which constituted the subject of the communication, is
closely allied to Conferva Linum, and the author showed that the deep green endo-
chrome, when liberated from the cell, is seen to possess a very definite utricular strue-
ture. Each utricle is filled with homogeneous green matter, which surrounds one or
more peculiarly formed starch-granules. In many instances, utricles were met with
of a large size, and filled with a brood of secondary utricles, each containing homoge-
neous green contents, surrounding a nucleus-like starch-granule.

A long discussion followed the reading of this paper, which ultimately turned upon
the distinctions existing between the animal and the vegetable kingdoms. Dr. Red-
fern dwelt on the importance of recognizing the function of cell-contents, as well as
of cell-walls. Physiologists were too prone to recognize the cell-wall, to the exclusion
of what it contained. Dr. Walker-Arnott stated that he had recently heard that starch
had been found in the Meduse. If this were the case, the existence of starch could
be no longer claimed as characteristic of the vegetable kingdom. Prof. Allman agreed

British Association. 4069

with Dr. Lankester that the best expression to be found for animal and vegetable life
at present was, the general fact of vegetable tissue giving off oxygen gas and absorb-
ing carbonic acid, whilst animal tissue absorbed oxygen and gave off carbonic acid.

“On the Morphology of the Pycnogonide, and Remarks on the Development of
the Ova in some Species of Isopodous and Amphipodous Crustacea,” by Spence Bate.
The paper was read by Dr. Lankester, who also exhibited a series of drawings, made
by Mr. Bate, of the more minute forms of Crustacea, and stated that the Committee
had requested Mr. Bate to draw up a report on the present state of our knowledge of
the lower forms of Crustacea, which would, he hoped, be presented at the next Meet-
ing of the Association. He also expressed a wish from Mr. Bate to have sent to him
any specimens or information that might be in the possession of naturalists in other
parts of the country.

Prof. Allman drew attention to the analogies between the conditions of develop-
ment in the Crustacea and Arachnida. Mr. Bate found but six legs amongst these
lower Crustacea, and this was the case with some forms of Arachnida, more especially
the Acaride.

Mr. J. D. Sollitt read a paper, prepared by himself, in conjunction with Mr. R.
Harrison, “ On the Diatomacee found in the Vicinity of Hull,” showing that the fresh-
water and marine Diatomacee were exceedingly numerous in this locality; the beauty
of the varied forms of which were such as to delight the microscopist, and, at the same
time, some of them are highly useful as forming that class of test objects for micro-
scopes which are the best calculated of all others for determining the excellence and
powers of object-glasses. As test objects they were first discovered by the Hull micro-
scopists, and have now been adopted as such by all the microscopists not only in this
but in all other countries. Mr. Harrison and Mr, Sollitt discovered the markings on
those delicate siliceous coverings as early as 1841. It was shown that the markings
on those shells were so fine as to range between 34,000 to 130,000 to the inch; the
Plurosigma strigilis being the strongest marked, and the Navicula Acus the finest. Tt
was afterwards pointed out that a large bed of fossil fresh-water Diatomacee, of at
least two feet in thickness, had been discovered in Holderness, and that in a sub-
merged forest on the coast of Holderness numbers of fossil fresh-water Diatomacee
had been discovered, although the sea flows over the part at every tide. The paper
concluded by pointing out that upwards of 150 species of marine and fresh-water Dia-
tomacee had been identified in the neighbourhvod of Hull.

The reading of this paper was followed by a long discussion. 1. In relation to the
microscopic powers and the structure of the instruments employed by the Hull ob-
servers. 2. With regard to the nature of the lines found on the surface of the Diato-
macee. 3. On the question of the vegetable or animal nature of the Diatomacee.
From the statement of Mr. Sollitt and Mr. Harrison, it appeared that the lenses which
they had employed for the minuter markings, were object-glasses of Natchet’s manu-
facture, the one-sixteenth and the one-eighth of an inch focal distance, with angles of
aperture of 115° and 105° diameter, and for the larger markings Smith’s one-fourth,
with an aperture of 46°. With these glasses they had detected markings whose inter-
spaces numbered 130,000 to the inch. Mr. Sollitt regarded the lines as consisting of
rows of minute tubercles, which gave the appearance of continuous lines. Dr. Wal-
ker-Arnott considered that these curious beings must now be regarded as plants. Prof.
Allman looked upon them as the starting-point of Nature, in which the mineral, ani-
mal, aud vegetable laws of creation were struggling for ascendancy. Mr. Sollitt and

4070 Society of British Entomologists.

Mr. Harrison regarded them as animals, and quoted the opinion of. Prof. Bailey, of
New York. Prof. Balfour referred to their resemblance to Desmidiew, and the conju-
gation observed amongst them, as conclusive proofs of their relation to the Conferve,
whose vegetable nature no one doubted. Dr. Lankester referred to Schleiden’s objec-
tion, of their possessing a highly complicated structure, and pointed out their resem-
blance to the Foraminifera, which all agreed to be animals. It had, however, been
asserted that the Diatomaceze possessed starch, and as yet this had not been discovered
as a secreted product in beings recognized as truly animals, whilst starch was univer-
sally present in true vegetable productions.

“ On the Structure of Bursaria, a genus of Infusorial Animalcules,” by Prof. Allman.

“On the Nature of Ciliary Motion,’ by P. Duncan. The author detailed what
had been done by English observers on this subject, and came to the conclusion that
the cause of the bending and returning of the cilium resided in the cell-wall of the
cell which sustains the cilia, and that to a greater or less extent the whole of the cell-
wall is contractile.

Prof. Allman and Dr. Redfern observed that the view taken by the author was un-
doubtedly correct, and had been recently fully developed by Continental physiologists.

“On a Species of Priapulus, a Genus of Echinoderms belonging to the Family
Sipunculide,” by Prof. J. Phillips. This genus was but little known to British natu-
ralists, and from the descriptions he was inclined to doubt if the present species, which
was taken off the coast of Scarborough, was identical with that described by Prof. E.
Forbes in his work on British Starfishes.

“On the Structure of the Fresh-water Polyp (Hydra viridis),” by Prof. Allman.
It had been stated by Ecker and Kolliker that these creatures possessed no cells, but
were composed of a mass of granules between which occasional vacuole occurred. He
had succeeded in observing that the whole of the structure of the Hydra was cellular,
and no exception to the general law that regulated the existence of organic beings.

Dr. Lankester exhibited a series of drawings of the British fresh-water polyps, exe-
euted by Prof. Allman, which he stated were intended to illustrate a work on this sub-
ject to be published by the Ray Society. Among these were several new species, and
he especially called attention to one of these, which seemed to be an exception to the
general law that the polypidom of the polyp-bearing animals is fixed. In this case the
polyp-stalk possessed the power of moving, as well as each individual member of the
mass.—From the ‘ Atheneum, September 17, 1853.

Proceedings of the Society of British Entomologists.

August 2, 1853.—Mr. HArpine, President, in the chair.

Mr. Miller was elected a Subscriber to the Society.

Mr. Harding exhibited a box of insects taken at Darenth Wood during the past
month: among the Lepidoptera were Ceropacha fluctuosa, Heliothis marginata, &c.,
and the Coleoptera comprised Leptura sex-guttata, Cryptocephalus Coryli, Pachyta
collaris, &c.

Mr. Harding said he took a strange-looking pupa in April, from the trunk of a
holly, from which he had bred Cryptocephalus flavilabris.

Society of British Entomologists. 4071

September 6, 1853.—Mr. Harnprina, President, in the chair.

Mr. Dalman exhibited a splendid pair of Plusia Orichalcea, taken by Mr. Hard-
ing near Kingsdown, in Kent.

The President exhibited a box of insects from the Kentish coast, among which
were Lithosia quadra, L. pygmeola, Setina irrorella, Lupirona albicolon, Agrotis
Aquilina, A. valligera, Eremobia ochroleuca, Heliothis marginata, H. Dipsacea, Do-
sithea immutata, Acidalia perochraria, Timandria emutaria, Odontia dentalis, Phi-
balapteryx gemmaria, Cledeobia angustalis, Scopula ferrugalis, Anerastia Farrella,
Nemotois Cypriacellus, &c.

The President read the following letter from Mr. Oxley, who emigrated to Austra-
lia in May, 1852: —

“Forest Creek Diggings,
* Victoria, March 5, 1853.

“This colony is not a first-rate place for an entomologist. The Coleoptera are
curious, and some few certainly handsome; I have succeeded in getting a few score
of them, my collecting in this department being more extensive than in Lepidoptera.
The colours of the Lepidoptera of this place have a strong resemblance to those of the
English moths and butterflies, very few of them having the rich metallic tints of the
tropical species. ‘The markings of many of the insects are very pretty, but the colours
generally obscure and dusky. From October up to last month we had Cynthia Cardui,
or one very like it, in abundance ; indeed it appears to be the commonest butterfly
here, and lasts, as most of the insects do in this country, fora long time. If I were
tu pass my opinion on such of the Lepidoptera as have come under my notice, I should
say that with one exception I have seen nothing here to equal our Vanessa Atalanta,
V. Io, or Limenitis Camilla.

“T live in the hope that the autumn now approaching may turn out something bet-
ter than the past season, as on the 3rd instant I bred two insects, coming I think near
the hair-streaks, only larger, having the borders of the wings indigo-colour, or nearly
black, and their centres a metallic azure-blue, with red and black caudal appendages :
the under side yellowish, beautifully lined and spotted with black. This is one of the
most beautiful things I have seen ; I hope to breed a dozen or two more of them.

“You justly observed that I should find collecting difficult work, for many times
of an evening I see insects and have no heart to take them, being so tired with the
day’s exertions ; and as gold-digging was the primary object of my coming here, I can
with difficulty spare time to do much in the day-time. I shall not be able to collect
enough to make it worth while to send home, but hope to have some kind of a collec-
tion—an olla podrida, or a little of everything—to bring home on my return.

“No country has been so much over-written as this; thousands who are here curse
it from the bottom of their hearts. I am writing this under the shade of a red gum-
tree ; the sun is scorching all around, and perhaps at night it will be chilly cold: the
changes are more extreme than at home. There is much dysentery, ophthalmia, and
theumatism amongst the people bere. At the end of November or beginning of De-
cember there was a tremendous flight of grasshoppers for two days—millions and mil-
lions of them; and they still are with us in countless numbers. This isa great country
too for ants, they are to be found of every size, and in neatly every place. Nor must
all mention of fleas and flies be omitted, for the former will scarcely allow you to get
a wink of sleep at night, and the latter are a perfect pest, getting into one’s mouth,
eyes, and nostrils, so as to render the wearing of veils indispensable.

4072 Birds.

“Within a month from this time I guess you will have commenced your entomo-
logical campaign for 1853: I should like to be with you at dear old Darenth Wood,
but do not anticipate it this year, unless fortune’s favours are unexpected and speedy,
but be assured I will leave this country as soon as I can conveniently. One day’s col-
lecting, or one night's mothing at Darenth, is worth more than a month’s collecting
here, for comfort and real enjoyment.

“Tuos. J. R. Oxtey.”

Mr. Dalman observed that the larve of Acherontia Atropos appeared to be rather
plentiful this year; and several other members had seen or obtained some.—J. 7. N.

Note on the unknown Eggs found near Norwich. — The remarks of your correspon-
dent on this subject (Zool. 4014), seem to refer to some variety in the eggs of our
common kingfisher much resembling those in question. The kingfisher (Alcedo Is-
pida) is certainly met with in many parts of the Norwich river; but even supposing
the eggs of that bird to vary occasionally in form, I think the number of those lately
found, is a sufficient reason for not assigning them to the kingfisher. As I stated be-
fore, they resemble the eggs of the common swift more than any other's in shape, but
instead of having a chalky exterior, they are smooth and shining. I am sorry that I
can give no further information at present respecting the nest, as I have never been
able to meet with the boys who found it; however, I question very much if they no-
ticed it sufficiently to throw any fresh light on the subject.—A. Stevenson ; Norwich,
September 17, 1853.

Note on the late Nidification of Birds. —'There is at the present time the nest of a
goldfinch in an orchard here, which contains young only just hatched. Two days ago
I saw some thrushes, which had just been taken from the nest, being still unable to
fly or to feed themselves; and about a fortnight ago I found some hedge accentors in
the same predicament, except that the latter were still enjoying their “mother’s love
and father’s joy,” instead of being cooped up in a wretched little prison not six inches
square, as the former were, to be crammed from the bands of their merciless gaoler.
The above are remarkable proofs that the continued wet this season has induced the
feathered tribes to delay their incubation till so late, that their offspring stand a fair
chance of being frozen, if not drenched to death. —- Alfred Merle Norman ; Pyrton,
Oxfordshire, September 17, 1853. )

Occurrence of the Osprey (Falco Halietus) at Weybridge.—I have had brought me
for stuffing a most beautiful specimen of the osprey. It was shot on Sunday last, at
Weybridge. I should feel great pleasure in showing it to any one who may wish to
see it.—James Gardner ; 426, Oxford Street, September 15, 1853.

Note on the Grasshopper Warbler (Salicaria Locustella). — About two years since
having a great desire to add to my collection an example of this rare little bird, I paid
several visits during the summer to one of our smaller broads, always abounding with
the more common reed and sedge warblers, and not unlikely, from the denseness of
the herbage, to harbour the rarer species of the same tribe. For a long time I watched
in vain, and had nearly given over my search as hopeless, when one still summer
afternoon I heard distinctly, in a clump of reeds, that peculiar creaking note, which,

Birds. 4073

once heard, cannot be mistaken. But although my ears were greeted with such wel-
come sounds, the wary little fellow was far too cunning to trust himself for an instant
within sight; and again was I obliged to leave without obtaining a specimen. I hap-
pened, however, to have with me a man whose employment keeps him almost entirely
-on the broad, both early and late, and making him observe the note well (which he
said he had often listened to, but never supposed it to come from a bird), he seemed
pretty sure of being able to shoot one. About a week after this, I was delighted at
receiving from him a fine male specimen; and since then, including this year and the
last, he has procured for me no less than seven. Of these birds one only proved to be
a female, wanting entirely the little brown spots on the throat; another, a young male
of the year, showed that they breed on the broad, though as yet I have been unable to
discover either the nest or eggs. From these circumstances, I cannot help thinking
that the grasshopper warbler, although visiting this country in far greater numbers
than either the reed or sedge warblers, is still less rare than is generally supposed, and
that, by careful attention to its habits, it may be met with in most localities as well
suited to its shy mouse-like actions as our Norfolk Broads. The following remarks,
from my own observations, and the shrewd descriptions of the broad-man, may not be
uninteresting to your readers. The grasshopper warbler arrives later and leaves us
earlier than either of the others. He is seldom heard in the middle of the day, and
never in windy weather ; but sometimes on a fine sunny afternoon, when scarcely a
breath of air is stirring the feathery tops of the reeds, his loud creaking note may be
heard in some neighbouring sedges ; rarely however will he expose himself to danger,
even by a short flight to some other hiding-place. Early in the morning, or on moon-
light nights, appear to be the only certain times for seeing him, as he then seems to
be much less cautious, and either hanging from the reed-stems, or perched on the top-
most twig of some small bush, he may be heard creaking for a iong time, constantly
moving his head from one side to the other. If heard over-night, when too dark for
anything to be distinguished, he will invariably be found in the same place at the first
dawn of morning; and even if fired at and missed in the evening, he will still remain
near the same spot. Though occasionally met with in hedge-banks away from any
stream, he is always most certain of being found amongst reeds and sedges, in com-
pany with his kindred species.—H. Stevenson; Norwich, September 11, 1853.

Note on singularly placed Nests of the Pheasant (Phasianus Colchicus) and Red-
legged Partridge (Perdix rufa).—The interesting account given by my friend, the Rev.
A.C. Smith, of a nest of the common partridge on a stubble-rick (Zool. 3945), has
reminded me that I ought to record two singular instances of game birds nesting in
elevated situations. The first is that of a pheasant, which, although it happened full
twenty years ago, yet I have it on the authority of two respectable eye-witnesses, and
I do not doubt any of the particulars of the case, which is as follows. The nest was
on the bough of a Scotch fir-tree, about, I suppose, fifteen feet from the ground, and
was an adaptation of a squirrel’s “rail.” The old bird was seen several times while

‘she was sitting on her eggs; and when, in due course of time, these were hatched, my
informants tell me that two young ones were discovered dead at the bottom of the
tree, and in the nest was found one addled egg, together with the shells of nine others,
from which young birds had been hatched. There was a thick undergrowth of furze
surrounding the clump of trees in which the nest was situated, so that the bird’s breed-
ing in so unwonted a position must have been quite the result of choice. The second
instance is that of a red-legged partridge, a nest of which was found here this year on

XI. 2.2

4074 Arachnida.

the thatch of a stack of barley. The old bird was sitting on thirteen eggs when it
was discovered, and would doubtless have hatched her young, had it not been neces-
sary to remove the stack before that devoutly-to-be-wished-for consummation had ar-
rived.— Alfred Newton ; Elveden Hall, Thetford, September 1, 1853.

Correction of a previous Error respecting the Masked Gull, (Larus capistratus).—
In a note some time ago (Zool. 2825), I recorded the occurrence of a specimen of the
masked gull on the river Dart. I had, during the past summer, an opportunity of
examining this identical bird, which is now in the Museum of the Torquay Natural
History Society, and I have no hesitation in saying that it is a specimen of the black-
headed gull, (Zarus ridibundus). Whether the masked gull is, or is not, a species, is
a question [ am not able to enter upon ; but this is evident, that nothing is more likely
to bring discredit on the existence of such a bird, than a mistake like that which I
have unfortunately made.—Jd.

Additional Note on the Spider that lived Twelve Months without Food.— From the
date of the article quoted in a former number (Zool. 3883), namely, October 6, 1852,
up to the month of May, 1853, the habits of this spider were very similar to those al-
ready described; towards the end of that month, however, he began to wander about
very much. These wanderings were performed exclusively on the back, top, and sides
of the box, and never on the bottom or on the birds, so far at least as could be seen by
myself or any of my household, who were a goodly number, and always on the alert.
About the middle of July his peregrinations became more frequent, and more pro-
tracted, he being absent for days together from his accustomed nook ; his whole man-
ner too became altered, and his appearance a good deal changed for the worse. The
birds were now taken out of the case, in order that his movements might be the better
observed. Restless, seemingly much agitated, and doubtless pressed by hunger, he
would often wander for hours and days together, up and down, and to and fro on the
back and sides of his prison-walls. Every day bore testimony to his increasing weak-
ness and his approaching end. Being now unable to support his own weight, he was
several times observed to fall from various heights to the bottom of the case; and on
such occasions he was frequently unable to reascend for some considerable time there-
after. On looking into the case on the morning of the 3rd instant, I was not a little
surprised to find that my prisoner had disappeared. See him I could not, although |
I scanned the whole box over and over again: all hands and all eyes were summoned,
and though each had his turn, no one could find the little fellow. I may here men-
tion that the bottom of the box, having been fitted up to hold sea-birds, has a rough
covering, so as to resemble a rocky surface, and it was thought that the object of our
search had fallen behind one of the stony projections, where he had died. However,
on the evening of the 7th he was again seen slowly wending his way up: the back of
the box, and once more regained his lonely abode in the corner. On the 9th he was
again lost sight of until the 11th, when he once more made his appearance. On the
14th he was again seen to leave his home, to which he never returned: having gained
the extremity of his net, he was observed to fall to the bottom of the case, and though
he made several attempts, he was quite unable to reascend. Fatigued and worn out by
his endeavours to get up, he was finally observed to creep behind one of the rocky pro-
jections already alluded to, where, on the morning of the 25th inst., he was found dead

Insects. 4075

and reduced to a mere shadow. And so ends the history of my spider, after he had
lived in his prison for a year and ten months, without food.— Thomas Edward ;
Banff, August 29, 1853.

Notes on a short Excursion to Rannoch.— 1 had heard so much of Rannoch and
its surrounding country, of its entomological productions, and the very few who had
taken advantage of its richness, that for a long time I had been very desirous of pay-
ing ita visit. Indeed, at last it come to be part of my dreams by night as well as of
my thoughts by day ; but circumstances always prevented me from taking the journey
until the end of June, 1852. Of my progress thither it is needless to say anything,
save that it occupied two days in its performance, the first of these by conveyances of
all kinds, the second by walking over as rough a tract of country as could well be
picked out. For miles there was no cultivation, no houses, nor anything but high
frowning hills on either side, from the faces and down the sides of which huge blocks
have been detached and rolled into the valleys below, diverting the small stream from
its otherwise regular course, bending and twisting it into such fantastic curves, that
one might fancy it some huge Hydra writhing in convulsions. Sometimes the road
lay along the top of a great chasm, and now a rock interposed as if to prevent all fur-
ther passage that way; now winding away far into the distance, as though it had no
end, and then over a great hill, six miles across. After about twenty-three miles of
this sort of country, I at last got a glimpse of the loch, with a few houses on its far-
thest shore. For miles and miles everything is covered with heather; whilst here and
there stand a few aged firs, looking like monuments of the once great forest, or some
birches, indicating that they also have had something to do in former days in crown-
ing the now otherwise heathy district. Full directions from a kind friend who had
been there previously, enabled me very easily to discover the place I sought; and so,
after a few questions, I found myself established for the few days I was to stay there.
After putting everything in order for work the next day, I went to bed, intending
to be up betimes, and, thanks to my long walk, slept soundly ; but when I arose on
the following morning, the rain was falling in torrents. This was a sad disappoint-
ment, as I had along quite forgotten that the sun does not always shine: however, it
cleared up a little about mid-day, when I set out to ransack the ants’ nests, which are
very plentiful and very large, and for the most part formed at the roots of the black
fir-trees. Tinea ochraceella I found in abundance: many of them were sitting on the
heather and Vaccinium growing close by. Several of the females which I boxed,
ejected a fine, yellow, cottony kind of substance over the eggs they deposited : this
fine down was sent forth with great rapidity, until it attained the size of a large pea.
In the centres of the ants’ nests I found several larve of Cetonia enea, which I brought
away with me, and have since reared some of them. The ants did not seem to heed
the Tinea while alive, but when I killed a few, and threw them on the hills, they were
at once seized and carried off. From decayed ferns I beat a few specimens of Cico-
phora stipella; round about the firs swarmed Stigmonota coniferana: and whilst I
was boxing the latter, a single specimen of Tinea fulvimetrella came into my net.
Mixodia palustrana was not uncommon amongst the heather. Harpalyce ruptaria
was abundant amongst the birches, including some beautiful varieties. On the top of
the highest hill, whither I went in search of Psodos trepidaria, I took a few specimens

4076 Insects.

of Crambus lapponicellus; * I also beat Tinea prelatella from birch. I was surprised:
at the scarcity of Micro-Lepidoptera, but contented myself by atributing it to the very
wet weather, as it was no uncommon thing for me to be wet through two and three
times ina day. Lithocolletis Caledoniella was the only other thing of note which I
took amongst these little gems: here I found it among birch; at Renfrew I take it
in company with Dunningiella and Emberizepennella, amongst oak and honeysuckle.
With sugar I did nothing by night, it being both too wet and too windy ; I generally
however examined the trees in the mornings, but my only visitors were Carabus gla-
bratus and Rhagium inquisitor. I had hoped to capture thus Cetonia aurata and C.
znea, as well as Trichius fasciatus, but, T suppose, the absence of the warm sunshine
kept them away. .Carabus glabratus was by no means uncommon, either beneath
stones, or running across the paths. Fairly embedded, ‘like a red-hipped humble-
bee, on the top of a thistle,” lay Trichius fasciatus, eagerly driving its long trunk with
wonderful quickness to the bottoms of the flowers, in search of the sweets deposited
there, too busy to offer any resistance to its capture: on being laid hold of, it emits a
strong perfume not unlike that of otto of roses. Pissodes Pini was in great numbers
under the felled timber. An occasional Acanthocinus Aidilis might be observed pass-
ing through the air, with its long antenne gracefully thrown back; they are very destruc-
tive to each other, and when they meet, mutilation generally takes place. 1 was most
desirous to obtain the larva of this insect, in order to throw some light on its transfor-
mations, but was unsuccessful. The felled timber had an occasional Rhagium Indagator
resting upon it. I also took Lamia textor, and the specimens are certainly the largest
I have seen. This insect I obtained on the road-side, near to where some old birch-
roots had been grubbed up, and from this I concluded that it had been bred in them.
In moving, their joints gave out a creaking sort of noise, as if the sinovia had dried
up. Asemum striatum was very common ; I did not care to take it, as at Renfrew,
before starting, I had captured a great number, and again, this season, have taken no
fewer than seventy-five specimens. Leiodes humeralis, Thanasimus formicarius, Hy-
lesinus crenatus, and one or two Curculios were plentiful. And now, in conclusion, I
would fain recommend to all who can spare a few days in summer, especially to our
northern collectors, a visit to this place. All classes of naturalists may be edified and
enriched, since the locality abounds with scarce specimens not only in our branch, but
in almost all branches of Natural History. It is, in many respects, a tempting spot.
The hum of the city is all unheard ; and the stillness which for ever dwells here, only
broken in upon at intervals by the cry of the golden plover or the curlew, which the
traveller may chance to start from their resting-place, and which are his only com-
panions, cannot fail to arrest attention. And it is glorious and heart-inspiring to roam
about, freed from the cares of business and the yellow-eyed fever of money-getting,
which for days and months previously have been weighing us down, with the broad
face of Nature smiling upon us, and inviting us by her thousand charms to live with
her, and forgetting for a time what we were, to
“ Find tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.”
—John Scott ; London Works, Renfrew, August 31, 1853.

* The insect described by Mr. I. Gray in the ‘ Naturalist’ as Crambus radiellus
(lapponicellus, Gen. in litt.), is not that insect, but merely C. margaritellus, and
_ pretty abundant on the heaths of Renfrewshire. C. lapponicellus is mountainous.

Insects. 4077

Capture of Plutella Dalella.— I have taken some fine and beautiful specimens of
Plutella Dalella, and should be glad to make a few friendly exchanges with any gen-
tleman who may require them. — J. Johnson ; Denby Parsonage, near Huddersfield,
September 15, 1853.

Note on the Larva of Eudorea murana. —I have been fortunate enough to meet
with the larve of this insect in abundance. The larva lives on moss growing on old
walls, and may probably be obtained throughout the whole year.. I have found it as
early as February, and up to the present time. It is easily observed, from its con-
structing long tubular passages in which it lives during the day. When full grown,
it is about an inch in length, brown, with a few spots and hairs on each segment: the
head and shield pitchy—John Scott ; London Works, Renfrew, August 29, 1853.

Notes on the Hymenoptera of Southend and its Vicinity. By Fru-
DERICK SMITH, Esq., Assistant in the Zoological Department,
British Museum.

SoUTHEND and its neighbourhood have long been known as a loca-
lity producing many rarities in the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera;
the captures of Hymenoptera made by me during the last two weeks
of August and the first week of September in the present year, will, I
think, place this district in the highest rank as a locality for rarities in
that order also. The late period of the season when I explored the
district, precluded the possibility of giving any adequate idea of the
species of Apide which may be found there; but in Fossorial insects
it is fully equal in productiveness to any locality with which I am ac-
quainted. As in the Apide our standard is the ‘ Monographia Apum
Angliz,’ so in the Fossores is Shuckard’s Essay. .I will therefore
enumerate the species I met with in the order in which I find them in
the Essay, making such remarks as appear to be necessary as I pass
along.

I should, however, in the first place, point out the exact spot where
my best captures were made. On arriving at Southend, the entomo-
logist would be induced, by the seeming excellence of the situation,
to search the slopes and shrubbery to the west of the pier: so far as
Hymenopterous insects are concerned, the result of my experience
would lead me to advise him to spare himself that useless trouble. I
_ spent two days in a fruitless search at that spot, not capturing a single
insect of the slightest rarity. My advice is, turn eastward, and then,
leaving the town and the deceptive slopes behind, trudge merrily on
for about a mile, until, in fact, you come within about a hundred yards
of the slopes, which in some parts of their extent rise abruptly from

4078 Inscets.

the beach to a height of thirty feet: here some short slopes and broken
ground will be met with. Look about carefully, for this is the locality
where the elegant Dasypoda hirtipes is to be found. Of this bee I
captured some fine examples: the best time to take them is about 9
o’clock in the morning, on their first coming out, and before they are
laden with pollen, which it is difficult to remove from the plumose
scopa of their posterior tibie. About this spot I also met with Cilissa
tricincta and Andrena pilipes. Along the hedge-rows of the fields to
the left of the slopes [ found the male of Bombus Latreillellus, usually
a rather scarce insect: Bombus lapidarius, however, was the most
abundant of the genus, in fact occurring in greater profusion than I
ever recollect to have observed any one species in a given locality.
Apathus rupestris also abounded.

Having searched the spots alluded to, the best way, I believe, is to
follow the path-way on the top of the slopes, carefully examining the
foot-path and bank on the left; here, towards the further end, I picked
up several specimens of Mutilla ephippium, which is not uncommon,
as I captured ten specimens of the female, the other sex I was too late
to meet with. In the hard trodden path-way will be found many bur-
rowing Hymenoptera, and amongst others Cerceris ornata.

But I must proceed to enumerate the species in the order in which
they are arranged in the Essay, just premising that at the extremity
of the slopes you arrive at an open, barren, unpromising-looking piece
of waste land, called Southchurch Common, the farther extremity of
which is a rabbit-warren ; this is the field of my campaign! Imme-
diately on reaching the end of the slopes commences a raised mound,
or wall of sand, which runs paraliel with the foot-path to the end of
the field which it bounds; on the south side of this bank most of my
captures were made, others upon the flowers and bare spaces on the
adjoining common. ‘Tiphia femorata was found here, but I was too
late to judge in what abundance it occurs. Of the genus Pompilus I
captured the following: — P. plumbeus, niger, rufipes, fuscus, gibbus,
pectinipes, sepicola, affinis, and exaltatus. P. rufipes 1 was glad to
meet with, it being so very local, and having only once before cap-
tured it, in Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight: of this species I took eleven
specimens.

Aporus bicolor: This was the first time I had taken the species.
On examining this insect, I was at first led to believe that I had cap-
tured a new species, having, as I supposed, met with Aporus at Wey-
bridge, and possessing four examples. After a careful investigation
of the subject, I arrive at the following conclusions : — All the speci-

Insects. 4079

mens which I have seen in cabinets, including my own four, are only
individuals of Pompilus pectinipes with the second transverse nervure
obsolete; one example only in the collection of the late Mr. J. F.
Stephens being the ¢rwe Aporus of Spinola. ‘The characters, both
generic and specific, in Shuckard’s Essay, belong to the variety of P.
pectinipes (crassicornis, Shuck.); the wing figured is also that of pecti-
nipes. On turning to Spinola’s generic characters, the description of
the wing alone is quite decisive: the superior wing is described as
having one marginal, and two complete submarginal cells ; the third
being incomplete, the second submarginal cell receiving the first re-
current nervure, and the second recurrent nervure wniting with the
transverse nervure which divides the second from the third submargi-
nal cell. Such is Spinola’s description; and yet, both in Shuckard
and St. Fargeau, the second cell is described as receiving both the re-
current nervures: the relative proportion of the cells is also different.
Other characters are given, which place the matter beyond a doubt:
the form of the antenne, as well as the oral organs, being most care-
fully described, and quite different from those of my supposed speci-
mens of Aporus. I strongly suspect the genus Evagetes of St. Fargeau
to be also the true Aporus of Spinola. The capture of this msect is
therefore an event of considerable importance, since it has thrown a
light on a genus hitherto misunderstood by many entomologists.

Ammophila sabulosa, viatica, and lutaria. The last-named species
I never captured before ; it is apparently rare in this shia I took
three males and two females,

Larra Pompiliformis was very plentiful.

Harpactus tumidus, scarce.

Cerceris arenaria, ornata, and labiata. The latter species I had
previously always found rare. 1 have occasionally met with a speci-
men at Weybridge, and in parts of Hampshire, but always singly ;
here I captured about forty, including both sexes. What is its prey
I could not detect, neither could I find any spot where they were gre-
garious like C. ornata. I occasionally saw one on the sand-bank, but
most of my specimens were captured on the flowers of Achillea Mil-
lefolinm.

Scattered about on the waste are plants of Echium vulgare, to the
flowers of which the rare Megachile argentata pays its visits. I took
both sexes of this little bee.

Many other rare Hymenoptera are probably to be found here at
different periods of the season ; sufficient however have, I trust, been

4080 Death of Mr. H. E, Strickland.

recorded to satisfy any one that my opinion of this being a first-rate
locality, is pretty near the truth.

Various species of ants are also found: of the genus Formica the
species rufa, cunicularia, nigra, fusca, flava, and fuliginosa; and of
Myrmica, rubra, levinodis, ruginodis and fuscula.

Ichneumonide abound here. JI took a splendid series of . the beau-
tiful Ichneumon viridatorius and ornatorius ; and from a connecting
string of varieties I am led to suspect that these constitute but one
Species.

In the Proctotrupide I met with two scarce genera, — Epyris niger
and Sparasion frontale.

Many nice species of Diptera also occur, — Anthrax Hottentotta in
great numbers. I also captured a genus apparently rare in this coun-
try, the Elachiptera brevipennis of Macquart. I observed it hopping
on a hot sand-bank, occasionally sliding down with the loose particles
it had disturbed, and again dancing up in unceasing restlessness.

I took many good species of Coleopterous insects, but I leave these
to be enumerated by those better acquainted with that branch of En-
tomology than myself. Neither have I thought it advisable to make
mention of those species of Fossorial Hymenoptera which are univer-
sally distributed.

FREDERICK SMITH.
British Museum, September 18, 1853.

Death of Mr. H. E. Strickland. —“ We have to announce, with deep regret, the
death of Mr. H. E. Strickland, who was killed on Wednesday by a railway train, whilst
examining the strata of a railway cutting on the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln-
shire line. The melancholy particulars are thus given in the daily papers : — ‘ Mr.
Strickland arrived at East Retford on Wednesday from Hull, having attended the
recent meeting of the British Association. He was attached to the Geological Section
of the Association ; and in pursuance of his practical investigations in that science,
he proceeded on. Wednesday afternoon to examine the strata of the deep cuttings on
each side of the Clarbrough Tunnel, about four miles distant from Retford. A little
after 4 o’clock, a boy at work in the fields observed him standing between the two lines
of rails, near the mouth of the tunnel, on the Gainsborough side, with a pocket-book
in his hand, apparently engaged in making notes. At this time a coal-train was ap-
" proaching on the down line, to avoid which he stepped off the “‘ six-feet” on to the up
line; but unhappily he did so just at the moment when the Great Northern passenger
train was issuing from the tunnel. The train dashed upon him, and the next instant
he lay a shattered and shapeless corpse.’”—From the ‘ Atheneum, September 17, 1853.

Notices of New Books. A081

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

“A Naluralis?s Rambles on the Devonshire Coast. By PHitie
Henry Gossk. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row.
1853. Price 21s.

(Concluded from page 4062).

WE return with pleasure to the coasts of Devonshire, and think our
readers will participate in that pleasure, when we place before them
the Naturalist, on his hands and knees, gazing into the wondrous
rock-pool at Oddicombe.

“YT took another look at my pretty little rock-basin at Oddicombe.
It is a deep, oval, cup-like cavity, about a yard wide in the longest
diameter, and of the same depth, hewn out, as it were, from the solid
limestone, with as clean a surface as if a stone-mason had been at
work there. It is always, of course, full of water, and except when a
heavy sea is rolling in, of brilliant clearness. All round the margin
are growing tufts of the common coralline, forming a whitish bushy
fringe, reaching from the edge to about six inches down; a few plants
of the bladder Fucus are scattered around and above the brim; and
the arching fronds of the sweet Laminaria, that I before spoke of,
hang down nearly to the bottom, closely resembling, except in their
deep brown hue, the hart’s-tongue fern that so profusely adorns the
sides of our green lanes. Below the coralline level are a few small
red sea-weeds, as Rhodymenia palmata; and the dark purple Chon-
drus crispus growing in fine tufts, reflecting a rich steel-blue irides-
cence. But all the lower parts of the sides and the bottom are almost
quite free from sea-weeds, with the exception of a small Ulva or two,
and a few incrusting patches of the coralline base, not yet shot up into
branches, but resembling smooth pink lichens. The smooth surface
of the rock in these lower parts is quite clean, so that there is nothing
to intercept the sight of the Actiniz that project from the hollows, and
spread out their broad circular disks like flat blossoms adhering to the
face of the interior. There are many of these, all of the species A. |
bellis, and all of the dark chocolate variety, streaked with scarlet ;
and they are fine in the ratio of the depth at which they live: one at
the very bottom is fully three inches in diameter.

“ There is something exceedingly charming in such a natural viva-
rium as this. When I go down on my knees upon the rocky margin,

XI. 3A

4082 Notices of New Books.

and bring my face nearly close to the water, the whole interior is dis-
tinctly visible. ‘The various forms and beautiful tints of the sea-weeds,
especially the purple flush of the Chondrus, are well worthy of admi-
ration; and I can see the little shrimps and other Crustacea busily
swimming from weed to weed, or pursuing their instinctive occupa-
tions among the fronds and branches,—an ample forest to them. Tiny
fishes of the blenny genus are also hiding under the shadow of the
tufts, and occasionally darting out with quivering tail; and one or two
brittle stars are deliberately crawling about, by means of their five
long and flexible arms, in a manner that seems a ludicrous caricature
of a man climbing up by his hands and feet,—only you must suppose
an additional arm growing from the top of his head. The variety of
their colours, and the singular but always elegant patterns in which
they are arranged, render these little star-fishes attractive.

“Such a calm, clear, little well as this, among the rugged rocks,
stored with animal and vegetable life, is an object well calculated to
attract a poet’s fancy. The following description must have been
drawn from just such a rock-pool, and most true to Nature it is : —

‘In hollows of the tide-worn reef,
Left at low water glistening in the sun,
Pellucid pools, and rocks in miniature,
With their small fry of fishes, crusted shells,
Rich mosses, tree-like sea-weed, sparkling pebbles,
Enchant the eye, and tempt the eager hand,
To violate the fairy paradise.’ — Montyomery.”

—P. 54.

It is impossible to turn over the pages of this admirable book with-
out finding abundance of matter that rivets the attention of the true
naturalist; and such we hold to be not the mere preserver of the
remains of beings that were once endued with life, and blessed with
happiness and vigour, but he who marks well the varied phases of the
moving creature, while, instinct-directed, it performs those acts with
which the maintenance of its own life and the perpetuation of its kind
are so indissolubly connected. In endeavouring to seek the best
opportunity for prosecuting such studies, for keeping up a continued
series of such observations, Mr. Gosse was led to attempt the bring-
ing of animated Nature home to his fire-side, and thus to secure him-
self against those casualties and difficulties which distance and our
changeable climate so frequently interpose between the naturalist and
the objects of his research.

Notices of New Books. 4083

“One prominent object that I had in view in coming to the coast,
was the prosecution of a cherished scheme for the conservation of
marine animals and plants in a living state.

“‘ For several years past I have been paying attention to our native
Rotifera, and in the course of this study had kept fresh water in glass
vases unchanged from year to year, yet perfectly pure and sweet, and
fit for the support of animal life, by means of the aquatic plants, such
as Vallisneria, Myriophyllum, Nitella and Chara (but particularly the
former two), which were growing in it. Not only did the Infusoria
and Rotifera breed and multiply in successiye generations in these
unchanged vessels, but Entomostraca, Planaria, Naides, and other
Annelides, and Hydrz, continued their respective races; and the
young of our river fishes were able to maintain life for some weeks in
an apparently healthy state, though (perhaps from causes unconnected
with the purity of the water) I was not able to preserve these long.

“The possibility of similar results being obtained with sea-water
had suggested itself to my mind, and the subject of growing the ma-
rine Algz had become a favourite musing, though my residence in
London precluded any opportunity of carrying out my project. My
notion was, that as plants in a healthy state are known to give out
oxygen under the stimulus of light, and to assimilate carbon, and ani-
mals, on the other hand, consume oxygen and throw off carbonic acid,
the balance between the two might be ascertained by experiment, and
thus the great circular course of Nature, the mutual dependence of
organic life, be imitated on a small scale.

“My ulterior object in this speculation was two-fold. First, I
thought that the presence of the more delicate sea-weeds (the Rhodo-
sperms, or red families especially, many of which are among the most
elegant of plants in colour and form), growing in water of crystalline
clearness in a large glass vase, would be a desirable ornament in the
parlour or drawing-room ; and that the attractions of such an object
would be enhanced by the presence of the curious and often brilliant-
hued animals, such as the rarer shelled Mollusca, the graceful Nudi-
branchs, and the numerous species of sea Anemones, that are so seldom
seen by any one but the professed naturalist.

“ But more prominent still was the anticipation that by this plan
great facilities would be afforded for the study of marine animals, un-
der circumstances not widely diverse from those of Nature. If the
curious forms that stand on the threshold, so to speak, of animal life
can be kept in a healthy state, under our eye, in vessels where they
can be watched from day to day without being disturbed ; and that

4084 Notices of New Books.

for a sufficiently prolonged period to allow of the development of the
various conditions of their existence, it seemed to me that much in-
sight into the functions and habits of these creatures, into their embry-
ology, metamorphoses, and other peculiarities, might be gained, which
otherwise would either remain in obscurity, or be revealed only by the
wayward ‘ fortune of the hour.’

“‘ Nor have these expectations been wholly unrealized. My expe-
riments, though not yet entirely successful, and needing much more
attention and time to complete them, have yet established the fact,
that the balance can be maintained between the plant and the animal
for a considerable period at least, without disturbance of the water ;
while my vivaria have afforded me the means of many interesting re-
searches, the details of which form the subject of these pages.

“ The first thing to be done was to obtain the Algz in a growing
state. As they have no proper roots, but are in general very closely
attached to the solid rock, from which they cannot be torn without
injury by laceration, I have always used a hammer and chisel to cut
away a small portion of the rock itself, having ready a jar of sea-water
into which I dropped the fragment with its living burden, exposing it
as little as possible to the air. The red sea-weeds I have found most
successful: the Fuci and Laminariz, besides being unwieldy and un-
attractive, discharge so copious a quantity of mucus as to thicken and
vitiate the water. The Ulvze and Enteromorphe, on the other hand,
are apt to lose their colour, take the appearance of wet silver-paper,
or colourless membrane, and presently decay and slough from their
attachments. The species that I have found most capable of being
preserved in a living state, are Chondrus crispus, the Delesseriz, and
Iridea edulis. The last-named is the very best of all, and next to
it is Delesseria sanguinea, for maintaining the purity of the water,
while the colours and forms of these render them very beautiful objects
in a vase of clear water, particularly when the light (as from a window)
is transmitted through their expanded fronds. Many of my friends,
both scientific and unscientific, who have seen my vases of growing
Algee at various times during the present year, both at Torquay and
at this place, have expressed strong admiration of the beautiful and
novel exhibition. |

“TI have not as yet been able to preserve the water to an indefinite
period. Sometimes the experiment has quite failed, the plants decay-
ing and the animals dying almost immediately ; but more commonly,
the whole have been preserved in health for several weeks. ‘The fol-
lowing are the particulars of the most successful of my efforts.

Notices of New Books. 4085

“On the 3rd of May I put into a deep cylindrical glass jar (a con-
fectioner’s show-glass), 10 inches deep by 53 inches wide, about three
pints of sea-water, and some marine plants and animals.

“ On the 28th of June following, I examined the contents of the jar
as carefully as was practicable without emptying it, or needlessly dis-
turbing them. It had remained uncovered on the tables in my study,
or sometimes in the window, ever since, .a little water only having
once been added merely to supply the loss by evaporation. ‘The
water was perfectly clear and pure. A slight floccose yellow deposi-
tion had accumulated on the sides of the jar, but there was very little
sediment on the bottom. I had taken no note of the plants or animals
when I had put them in; but as none of them had died, and none had
been either abstracted or added, the following enumeration gives the
original as well as then present contents.

“There were at this time in the jar the following Alge, all ina
growing state, and attached to the original fragments of rock : —

“ Two tufts of Delesseria sanguinea, each with numerous leaves.

“Two of Rhodymenia jubata, one small, the other a large tuft.

“ A small Ptilota plumosa, growing with one of the last-named.

“ A Chondrus crispus, with

“ An Ulva latissima growing parasitically on one of its fronds.

“These seven plants had supplied for eight weeks the requisite
oxygen for the following animals, which were at this time all alive and
healthy : —

“ Anthea cereus.

Actinia bellis, a large specimen.
» bellis, a half-grown one.
» anguicoma, large.
9» anguicoma, small.
>» ~+~*iivea.
» _‘~‘Tosea.
» rosea, a small specimen.
» Mesembryanthemum, young.
» Mesembryanthemum, young, another variety.
Crisia denticulata, a large tuft.
Coryne ? young.
Pedicellina Belgica, two numerous colonies.
Membranipora pilosa.
Doris (bilineata ?)
Polycera 4-lineata, very small.
Phyllodon lamelligera, about 11 inches long.

4086 Notices of New Books.

A coil of small Annelides.

Several Serpulz.

Acaride.

Entomostraca.

Infusoria.

Grantia nivea. And other smaller zoophytes and sponges, which
I could not identify. |

* Soon after this examination I went on a journey, and did not re-
turn till the 7th of July. The weather had set in very hot: whether
this, combined with the closeness of the room, had had any effect, I
do not know; but on my return I found the water beginning to be
offensive, a sort of scum forming on the surface, and the animals evi-
dently dying. Some were already dead, but most of the others reco-
vered on being removed to fresh sea-water. This result, though it
puts an end to my experiments at this time, I do not regard as con-
clusive against the hypothesis; for of course animals are liable to
death under any circumstances, and the corrupting body of one of
these in so limited a volume of water would soon prove fatal to others,
even. though there might be no lack of oxygen for respiration. It is
possible that one of the large Actiniz may have casually died during
my absence, the timely removal of which might have averted the con-
sequences to the others ; but this is only conjecture. Perhaps there
was too large an amount of animal life in proportion to the vegetable ;
but the maintenance of all these in health and activity for nearly nine
weeks seems hardly to agree with such a supposition.

‘‘Should these experiments be perfected, what would hinder our
keeping collections of marine animals for observation and study, even
in London and other inland cities? Such a degree of success as I
have attained would admit of so desirable a consummation, for even
in London no great difficulty would be experienced in having a jar of
sea-water brought up once in a couple of months. _I hope to see the
lovely marine Algz too, that hitherto have been almost unknown ex-
cept pressed between the leaves of a book, growing in their native
health and beauty, and waving their delicate translucent fronds, on the
tables of our drawing-rooms and on the shelves of our conservatories.

“Tt is a curious circumstance that experiments exactly parallel to
these, founded on the same principles, have been simultaneously pro-
secuted with the same results by another gentleman, whose name is
well known in the scientific world. Mr. Robert Warington, of Apo-
thecaries’ Hall, has now (December, 1852) at his residence in London,
a marine aquarium with living Algz and sea Anemones in a healthy

Notices of New Books. 4087

condition. I find, on comparing notes, that Mr. Warington has pre-
cedence of me in instituting these experiments; but the particulars
that I have above detailed of my own success were fully recorded be-
fore I had the slightest knowledge that the thought of such a project
had ever crossed the mind of any person but myself.”—P. 228.

In continuation of this highly attractive subject, the author gives

an Appendix of four pages, in which he recommends the production
and introduction of a new chemical compound called ozone. We con-
fess we are not prepared to admit the necessity of introducing any
artificial chemical element into these vivaria, neither do we believe
there is any advantageous result obtained from the so-called aération
of the water, as practised in the beautiful glazed tanks in the Zoolo-
gical Society’s Gardens in the Regent’s Park. It is most true that
turbidity and great apparent impurity is observable in the water of
sume of these tanks ; but these defects in all probability result from a
want of attention to the requirements of Nature. In the first place,
it must be admitted that in attempting to imitate a rock-pool by a
glazed tank, we abrogate a law of Nature in admitting the light late-
rally instead of vertically. Secondly, in crowding into a given quan-
tity of water a greater number of living beings than Nature allows, we
also abrogate a second law. Water to aquatic, and air to terrestrial
animals, are as essential as food ; and any stint in the supply inter-
feres with the vitality of the animal. To insure success, it is not
sufficient to adjust the scale adroitly and fairly between animal and
vegetable life, but the supply of water and of light must be made a
matter of nice and careful experiment. By judicious attention to this,
we shall achieve more successful and more certain results than by
the adoption of any artifice that Nature herself ignores.
It is, however, abundant time for us to close this protracted notice.
We are sorely tempted to give still further extracts, but must refer
the reader to the book itself, and assuredly will he find that we have
only given a fair and impartial sample of a work, which is uniformly
excellent, amusing, and instructive. Our objection to the artificial
management of the vivaria is rather an objection to a received usage,
than to a peculiar hypothesis of the author’s.

The most important portions of the work consist of detailed obser-
vations on the alternation of generations in the Hydroid polypes and
the Medusz, on the embryogeny and metamorphosis of these and the
Polyzoa, and on the singular structure of the thread-cells of the Me-
dus and the Actiniade. Copious details are given of the habits and
economy of many species of the sea Anemones and madrepores, of the

4088 ‘ Notices of New Books.

Meduse and Polyzoan polypes, which were before but little known ;
as well as of some of the Annelidan, Molluscan and Crustacean classes.
Six species of Zoophyta (including a beautiful new madrepore), six
of Medusa, one of Crustacea, and one of Annelida, are described as
new ; and several of them are figured.

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 70, dated
October, 1853. Price 2s. 6d.

THIs number contains the following papers : —

‘On some new Species of Trigonia from the Inferior Odlite of the
Cotteswolds, with preliminary Remarks upon that Genus.’ By John
Lycett, Esq.

‘Note on the Artesian Well at Colchester; and Remarks on some
of the Microscopic Fossils from the Colchester Chalk. By John
Brown, Esq., F.G.S.

‘On the Mechanism of Aquatic Respiration, and on the Structure
of the Organs of Breathing in Invertebrate Animals.’ By Thomas
Williams, M.D. Lond.

‘Notes on the Ornithology of Ceylon, collected during an Eight
Years’ Residence in the Island.’ By Edgar Leopold Layard, Esq.

‘Remarks on the Lias at Fretherne near Newnham, and Purton near
Sharpness, with an account of some new Foraminifera discovered
there: and on certain Pleistocene Deposits in the Vale of Gloucester.’
By the Rev. P. B. Brodie, M.A., F.G:S.

Proceedings of Societies : — Zoological—Royal.

Miscellaneous : — On the Monstrosity of a Rose; by J. T. Arlidge,
A.B. On the Change of Colour in a Chameleon (Chameleo vulgaris) ;
by H. N. Turner, jun. Notes on a new Species of Artamus ; by Dr.
Nicholson. The second and third of these are extracted from the
‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ for 1851 !

ee

‘ Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. Vol. XXI.
Part 1, price £1 1s.; and Part 2, price £1 10s.

Part I. comprises 84 pages of text and 8 plates, in 4to.; and con-
tains the following papers : —

‘On the Genus Atamisquea, belonging to the Family of the satan
ridacee.’ By John Miers, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

Notices of New Books. 4089

On the Development of the Ovule in Orchis Morio, Linn.’ By
Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

‘On the Australian Species of the Coleopterous Genus Bolboceras,
Kirby. By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

‘ Descriptions of some new or imperfectly known Species of Bolbo-
ceras, Kirby.” By J. O. Westwood, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

‘ Experiments and Observations on the Poisons of Animals of the
Order Araneidea.’ By John Blackwall, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

‘Ou the GEconomy of a new Species of Saw-fly. By John Curtis,
Ksq., F.L.S., &c.

‘On the Family of Triuriacee. By John Miers, Esq., F.R.S.,
F.L.S., &c.

“The Anatomy and Development of certain Chalcidide and Ich-
neumonide, compared with their special Giconomy and Instincts:
with Descriptions of a new Genus and Species of Bee Parasites.’ By
George Newport, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

‘Further Observations on the Genus Anthophorabia. By George
Newport, Eisq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

Part II., comprising 100 pages of text and 11 plates in 4to., has the
following papers : —

‘The Anatomy and Development of certain Chalcidide and Ich-
neumonidz.’ By George Newport, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

‘Further Observations on the Habits of Monodontomerus ; with
some Account of a new Acarus, Heteropus ventricosus, a Parasite in
the Nests of Anthophora retusa.’ By George Newport, Esq., F.R.S.,
F.L.S., &c.

‘On the Development of the Spores and Elaters of Marchantia
polymorpha.’ By Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

‘The Ternstrcemiaceous Plants of Hong Kong.’ By Capt. Cham-
pion, 95th Regiment. Communicated by the President.

‘On the Development of Ferns and their Spores.’ By Arthur
Henfrey, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

‘On two Genera of Plants from Chile. By John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.LS., &c.

‘On two new Genera of Fungi.’ By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley,
M.A., F.L.S., &c.

‘On the Habits and Structure of the Great Bustard, (Otis tarda of
Linneus).’ By Wm. Yarrell, Esq., V.P. and Treas. Linn. Soc., &c.

* On the Ocelli in the Genus Anthophorabja.’ By George Newport,
Ksq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.

XI. | 3B

4090 Notices of New Books.

©The Natural History, Anatomy, and Development of Meloé, (con-
tinued).’ By George Newport, Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. .

It is impossible to give anything like an abstract of these important
papers in the limited space to which we are confined. Shonld how-
ever an opportunity occur hereafter, we purpose extracting entire Mr.
Newport’s record of the discovery of Heteropus ventricosus, an Acari-
deous parasite on Monodontomerus, itself a parasite on the well known
bee, Anthophora retusa.

‘ Shells and their Inhabitants. The Genera of Recent Mollusca
arranged according to their Organization’ By Henry and
ArTaur Apams. Part VI. Demy 8vo., with the plates plain,
price 2s. 6d.; Royal 8vo., with the Animals coloured, price 5s.
London: Van Voorst. October, 1853.

THis part contains 42 pages of text and 4 plates: the genera de-
scribed are enumerated below ; they all belong to the Gasteropoda.
Zidona, Adams ; Callipara, Gray; Cymbiola, Swainson ; Scaphella,
Swainson ; Voluta, Linneus; Harpula, Swainson ; Fulguracia,
Schumacher; Lyria, Gray; Volutilithes, Seeainson; Mitra, Lamarck ;
Volutomitra, Gray; Strigatella, Swainson; Turricula, Klein; Cylin-
dra, Schumacher ; Imbricaria, Schumacher ; Columbella, Lamarck ;
Pyrene, Bolten; Amycla, Adams; Engina, Gray; Erato, Risso ;
Marginella, Lamarck ; Perricula, Schumacher.

‘ The Powers of the Creator displayed in the Creation ; or Observa-
tions on Life amidst the various Forms of the humbler Tribes
of Animated Nature ; with Practical Comments and Illustra-
tions. By Sir Jonn GrawnamM DaAtyeE tL, Knight and Bart. In
two volumes. Vol. II., containing 327 pages of text and 46
plates. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row. 1853.
Price £4 As.

THE first volume of this work is well. known: before the publica-
tion of the second, the amiable and accomplished author had paid the
debt of Nature. The Preface, by that eminent naturalist and. philo-
sopher, Dr. Fleming, so fully explains the circumstances of the case,
and is in itself so interesting, that we give it entire.

Notices of New Books. 4091

“ During the time in which the first volume of this work, published
in 1851, was passing through the press, its estimable author was in a
very delicate state of health. So reduced, indeed, was he by a linger-
ing illness, that he felt himself unequal to the task of compiling an
Analytical Index; according to the plan which he had followed in the
two volumes on ‘ Rare and Remarkable Animals of Scotland ;’ anda
few weeks after the publication of the volume, his disease terminated
fatally.

‘Sir John Dalyell had contemplated proceeding immediately with
the preparation of the second volume, if his life had been spared; and
towards the accomplishment of his object he had, to some extent, ar-
ranged his notes of descriptions of species, intending to correct and
transcribe the whole for the press. Several plates had likewise been
executed, and many drawings were in some measure assorted as ma-
terials ready to be placed in the hands of the engraver.

“In this state of things it was considered by his sister, who always
lived with him, as a duty, to make an effort and save for the public
benefit a large amount of valuable information, the result of the con-
tinuous labour, through many years, of an acute, patient, and intelli-
gent observer. This zeal to promote the author’s fame, and advance
at the same time the interest of science, was naturally to be looked for
from the individual referred to in the second volume of ‘ Rare and
Remarkable Animals of Scotland’ (p. 99), where, in reference to the
Cristatella, he says, ‘ I am indebted to the sedulous care of an affec-
tionate relative, the companion of all my excursions, the encourager
of all my exertions, in so tedious, laborious, and difficult a work, for
the finest of any — that exhibited to the British Association, taken by
herself from the garden pond at Binns House, in Linlithgowshire.’
Another passage, dictated by the same grateful considerations, occurs
in the same volume (p. 124), under Plumatella repens. ‘Of these an
admirable example occurred near a ruinous mansion called Fenton
Tower, in the county Haddington, about twenty-one miles east of
Edinburgh, for which I was indebted to that same affectionate com-
panion of my excursions already noted, who takes the liveliest interest
in all my pursuits, and who values the beauties of Nature as demon-
strations of the Divine Essence vouchsafed to the gaze of admiring
mankind.’ ,

“When this affectionate relative had somewhat recovered from the
bereavement which deprived her of a valued companion, she resolved
to undertake the task which he had contemplated.

4092 Notices of New Books.

“ Difficulties, however, of a formidable kind at once presented
themselves. The state of the manuscript was such, that independent
of the almost illegible character, which the intelligent printers of the
former volume could alone decypher, there were so many erasures and
changes of nomenclature, as to render much caution requisite in judg-
ing of the latest views intended to be expressed. Many of the refe-
rences to the plates, in consequence of the numerous alterations which
had taken place in the text, required to be corrected. The unfinished
plates, and the figures which had not been engraved, stood in need of
assortment, and a careful revision. Much of this indispensable labour
she only could perform, and here her efforts were above all praise.

“‘ But there were portions of the task in which some assistance was
needed. This Sir John Dalyell foresaw, should the work prove a
posthumous one, and had expressed to his relative a hope that I
might, perhaps, endeavour to give her,the requisite aid ; especially as
I had for many years previous to the publication of the ‘ Rare and
Remarkable Animals,’ urged upon him the propriety of giving to the
world those observations, in making of which he had expended so
much successful labour. In proof that such efforts had repeatedly
been made to rescue important results from private obscurity, and
render them available to naturalists in general, the following note
which accompanied the presentation of the first volume of that work
may here be inserted.

““¢ My Dear Professor,

““¢ Wave the goodness to accept a copy of my humble com-
mentary on the works of Providence.

“¢ Though endowed with my own share of perseverance and reso-
lution, I confess that the iniquitous obstructions I suffered in its pro-
gress, had nearly compelled me to abandon the prospect of completion.

“¢ But your kind indulgence always encouraged me to advance ;
therefore I may say the existence of my work is mainly owing to you.

““ Believe me ever yours, with infinite regard,

“* JoHN GRAHAM DALYELL.’
“14, Great King Street, August 21, 1847.

“In these circumstances, I willingly furnished the little aid in my
power towards the completion of the volume, interfering, however, in
the smallest possible degree with the style, the nomenclature, and the
materials employed. The publication, being a posthumous work, will
of course be regarded with all the tenderness and generosity usually
displayed on such occasions; while the numerous highly interesting

Notices of New Books. 4093

and original observations will be read with delight and gratitude by
all philosophical naturalists.

“ As several plates in a finished state have been found in the au-
thor’s repositories, together with descriptions of their contents, which
are considered by his relative worthy of publication, it is intended
to form these into a Supplement, to contain, at the same time, an
Analytical Index of the two volumes, with a Biographical Sketch and
Portrait of the Author.”

The present volume contains the following subjects : —

Chapter 1.— The Leech. Hirudo muricata, vittata, anceps, cam-
panulata, octo-oculata, sanguisuga, medicinalis, complanata, stagnalis,
tessellata, vitrina, flava. Peculiarities of the leech.

Chapter 2.— Vermes. Gordius fragilis, maximus, Tznia, minor,
minor-viridis, Guineensis, albicans, gracilis, albus, aquaticus, spini-
fer, viridis-spinifer, fragilis-spinifer, fasciatus-spinifer, simplex seu
integer, integer-fuscus. Remarks. Gordius Anguis; Vermicellus
crassus, rubens, lineatus, Coluber, variegatus ; Ascaris Flustre, Gadi,
Leonis.

Chapter 3.—Planariz. Planaria cornuta, corniculata, ellipsis, flex-
ilis, maculata (atoma?), hausteum, Hebes, lactea, fodine, Arethusa,
variegata, alba, gracilis, exigua, Alge, falcata, stagni, foecunda, Flus-
tre, vorax, Graminea, cuneus, prasina, nigra, serpentina, fusca.

Chapter 4.—Nais lacustris, proboscidea ; Lumbricus citratus, max-
imus, maximus var., capitatus, littoralis, teres, hirsutus.

Chapter 5.— Nereis teres, hirsuta, lineata, bullata, parva, Aries,
remes, ellipsis, fulgens, foliata, contorta, Monoceros, punctata ; Spio
seticornis, celata. :

Chapter 6. — Aphrodita cirrhosa, squamata, varians, velox, arcta,
aculeata.

Chapter 7.—Sabella alveolaria, Belgica.

Chapter 8.— Terebella littoralis, figulus, tuberculata, conchilega,
maculata, tetrix, Pecten, Ostree.

Chapter 9.—Amphitrite ventilabrum, bombyx, floscula. Miscella-
neous : — Fabricia, Amphitrite Luna, Filipora filograna.

Chapter 10.— Miscellaneous. Priapulus caudatus, Clymene borealis,
Sophonostoma gelatinosa, Pherusa Mulleri, Nereis hirsuta, pectinata,
Phasma, Octodactylus inherens, Spherula, Animalcula, Melicerta
ringens, Carbasaria fimbriata, Animalculum cruciatum, Cercaria.

Chapter 11.—Gasteropodes. Aplysia depilans, Tritonia Hombergii,
cervina, pinnatifida, punctata, divaricata, conifera, Doris verrucosa,
Argo, nodosa, cristata, clavigera, Eolis plumata, racemosa, minor,

4094 | Birds.

deaurata, viridis, sanguifer, conspersa, inequalis, Monoceros, tenax,
Hystrix, purpurea, papillosa, ventilabrum; Limapontia. The Nau-
tilini.

A great number of these objects are represented in the plates, which
are neatly and carefully executed. We regret to observe the price at
which the volume is issued, since its usefulness, and therefore its va-
lue as a contribution to Natural History, is thus greatly diminished.
The letter-press, as well as the plates, would have been more agree-
able to the student in an 8vo form, and by judicious economy might
have been produced at less than a third of the present price. Very
high prices for books always cut both ways: the buyer and seller
suffer equally, so that it is politic on all accounts to eschew them. If
the expense of getting up the book be urged as a plea for its price, the
plea is untenable, because the expensive getting up was needless.

Migratory Birds in the Isle of Wight.— The following are the dates of the arrival
of the summer birds of passage, so far as they have been observed at Bembridge dur-
ing the last four years : —

1850. 1851. 1852. 1853.
CTRE-CUDEE ixscncisos.ceo:.000 aren 29 March 24 March 31 March 30
WWiieatear ..<...--......4.. ApMl i April 4 30
Yellow Wagtail .. ee 12 phat
Wryneck .. Bibisiei lit. 13 ae
or eel Bases opines deed... *Mgreh SBF 594 April 16 13 —
PAROSER Dn tom powers sn ceccenenc: AipTile yok 8 April 19
Willow Wren .......ccceeeee 11 April 13 13 "7
oS Oo 13 11 9 6
Mant Weatun OX. ree. cee... 18 15 15 7
ORO ee Biiiivivsvcve es. — 16 14 18 ©
Whitethroat wena 18 — es
House Martin............... April 20 15 April 21 April 15
Nightingale.........sssseeee 8 13 14 15
UU kcs ce einiins dro ques cee May 3 —_—— + May 14
Fly-catcher .. 5 —— —— hs iia

—A. G. More ; Biubirkaye, Sepremnbe 10, 1853.

Occurrence of Montagu’s Harrier (Circus cineraceus) in Woolwich Marshes. — I
have a fine old female of Montagu’s harrier, that was shot in Woolwich Marshes on
the 16th of August last. — James Green, Naturalist ; 1, East Road, City Road, Octo-
ber 11, 1853.

* Only a solitary individual was seen at this unusually early date: no others made
their appearance until a fortnight later.

Birds. A095

Correction of an Error in a Note on the Grasshopper Warbler.—Permit me to rec-
tify an error which has crept into my “ Note on the Grasshopper Warbler” (Zool.
4072). Instead of “ they visit this country in far greater numbers than either the reed
or sedge warblers,” it should read “ in far less numbers.” — H. Stevenson ; Norwich,
October 6, 1853.

Note on the Nesting of the Reed-wren, (Salicaria arundinacea). — Perhaps the fol-
lowing account of the nesting of the reed-wren may be of interest, as showing the re-
markable indifference of the parent bird to the handling of, and the rude substitution
of other matters for, her eggs. When an Eton boy I had a certain love for Ornitho-
logy ; and as every spring came round, I indulged my passion for birds’-nesting by
rambling over all the adjacent country in search of hidden treasures. Now, as the
school numbered between 700 and 800 boys, it may readily be supposed that mine
were by no means the only eyes which were prying into every bush, hedge-bank and
copse ; accordingly, no sooner was an egg laid but it was pretty certain of discovery,
and I have since often wondered how any birds ever reared their young within three
or four miles of Eton. So inevitable seemed the discovery of every nest, than when
we found a newly finished nest containing but one egg, it was never deemed prudent
to leave that egg, in hopes of a larger number another day; the solitary egg was im-
mediately seized, on the principle that “ a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Now all down the river were certain aits, covered with osiers, and alders, and other
bushes and low trees, and flanked with many a goodly bed of rushes and reeds; in
these the reed-wrens loved to make their nests. There was also a small coppice ad-
joining one of the back streams of old father Thames, within a mile of the College,
every bush of which I seem now as distinctly to recollect as at that time, when I was
a daily visitant there: here I would find four or five nests of the reed-wren, close to-
gether, — long purse-like nests; and these were the first nests of that species which I
had ever seen, accordingly to me they were a very great treasure. And when taking
from one nest one egg’, from another two, from another three, and from a fourth a sin-
gle one again, I was not a little sorrowful to think, that could these four nests be left
unmolested for a few days, my prize would be much greater than now : however, pru-
dence overcame greediness, and the eggs were taken. Asa forlorn hope, however, and
without much idea of the plan succeeding, I picked up seven or eight little gravel-
stones, of about the size of the eggs, and for every egg that I had taken, deposited a
stone at the bottom of the nest. What was my delight, when, returning to the same
spot the next morning, I found another egg laid in every nest! These were withdrawn,
and other stones substituted for them: and now, every morning, as soon as our doors
were unlocked, I might be seen bending my steps to my favourite coppice, quite alone,
lest another should forestall me of my treasure, and, with small round stones in my
pocket enough to have filled the nests of fifty reed-wrens, did so many unhappy birds
choose that unlucky locality for their nursery. This plan of substituting a stone for
an egg answered so completely, in the case of the reed-wren, that I never knew it to
fail, or found the nest deserted before the full complement of eggs was laid; and yet,
in some cases, from a lack of appropriate stones to be found in those muddy river-
banks, I have been obliged to deposit stones of neither the shape, the size, nor the co-
lour of the original egg. It may be supposed, that under the above circumstances,
such signal success with the reed-wren made me try the same plan with other birds,
but here I as invariably failed: wherefore I conclude that the singularly deep nest of
the reed-wren prevented the parent bird from seeing the deception that had been prac-

4096 | Birds.

tised upon her, which the more shallow nests of other birds would enable them readily
to perceive. Often with my boat moored to one of the reedy aits of the beautiful river,
did I watch for a considerable time the reed-wren sitting on her nest in a gale of wind ;
now bowed down nearly to the water’s edge, now springing back, swinging to and fro,
driven here and there, as a sudden gust seized the reeds to which the nest was sus-
pended, ora lull left them time to regain their former position: nothing seemed to dis-
concert her, or to come amiss, and though often brought within a foot of the stream,
and the nest half inverted, never did I see it touch the water, or any likelihood of real
danger occur.—Alfred Charles Smith; Yatesbury Rectory, Calne, October 10, 1853.

Occurrence of the Nut-cracker (Nucifraga Caryocatactes) at Yarmouth.—I have a
fine specimen of the nutcracker, which was shot by a fisherman, off Yarmouth, on the
7th of this month, (October, 1853): it is in a beautiful state of preservation. — James
Green ; 1, East Road, City Road, October, 1853.

[This bird was brought to me in the flesh. N.]

Note on the occurrence in Sweden of Pluvianus Atgyptius. — I have lately seen a
specimen of this bird, which I am assured was obtained in Sweden about four years
since, by a gentleman from England who was shvoting in that country. It is said to
have been killed in the summer season, and to have been obtained not very far from the
city of Stockholm. This statement is by no means so full as might be desired, but I
think it worth recording, as I believe it to be correct, my informant being a party on
whom I think reliance may be placed. The specimen is an adult bird, in full plu-
mage. I believe this bird has not previously been recorded as having been obtained
in Europe, its native country being Northern Africa, where it is found as far West as
Senegal, and as far East as Egypt and Nubia, being a common species on the banks
of the Nile ; on which account, perhaps, it has been supposed to be the bird that feeds
upon the insects which settle upon the mouth of the crocodile, and which acts as a
friendly monitor to the gigantic reptile on the approach of danger. Some travellers,
however, state that this office is performed by the spur-winged plover of Egypt (Ho-
plopterus Persicus), and possibly both birds may have the same habit in this respect.
The Pluvianus Agyptius is the only known species of its genus, and appears to hold
a position intermediate between the coursers and the pratincoles, and also to be allied
to some of the types of plovers. One peculiarity of the plumage of the bird is very
curious, and unlike anything I know in the plumage of any other bird, namely, a tuft
of elongated black feathers, which, if they grew from the head, would form a pensile
crest, but which, instead of being situated in that locality, spring from between the
shoulders, and reach down the centre of the back, between the wings, for two-thirds or
more of the length of the bird’s body. Trusting that ornithological observers will look
out for other European examples of this interesting species, I take the liberty of call-
ing the attention of the readers of the ‘ Zoologist’ to the above circumstances connected
with it—J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk, September 22, 1853.

Occurrence of the Red-necked Phalarope at Rottingdean. — On Tuesday last, the
4th of this month, a red-necked phalarope was killed here, it having been observed
in the morning swimming with the ducks on the pond in the heart of the village. The
bird had already so completely attained its winter plumage, that the head, neck, and
breast, from the whiteness of those parts, resemble those of Bewick’s figure of the gray
phalarope, being totally unlike, in that respect, to Yarrell’s red-necked, and having
merely a faint tinge of colour from the tips of the feathers. It may be added,
that Yarrell’s representation of the leg and foot of the phalarope does not exhibit the

Reptiles.— Fishes. 4097

peculiarity of the latter member, which, in the specimen above referred to, is very dis-
tinctly half-webbed.—Arthur Hussey ; Rottingdean, October 8, 1853.

Note on the Spawning of Frogs and Toads. — Whilst staying here in April last, I
noticed the following curious circumstance. I was walking along the bank of a small
fish-pond in the garden, which was swarming with frogs and toads busily engaged in
spawning, and was astonished to notice great numbers of them promiscuously in co-
puld. In every instance but one of those that came under my notice, the union was
between the male frog and the female toad, but in that one instance it was vice versd.
I have mentioned the circumstance to my friend Mr. Wolley, and other naturalists,
who have all agreed with me in considering it a singular fact, and worthy of record.
T have frequently watched these reptiles during the spawning season, but never before
noticed a similar occurrence. — H. Harpur Crewe; Rossway, near Great Berkhamp-
stead, Herts, September 15, 1853.

Note on Toads devouring Hive Bees.—TI have read the account related at the last
meeting of the Entomological Society, of a nasty toad being caught on the alighting-
board of a hive of bees, and devouring them wholesale. Coming from so authenti-
cated a source, one cannot at all doubt the truth of it; but I will venture to say, that
the hive in question must have been placed in a most awkward situation, against a
bank, or touching some rough wall. There is not a more unlikely reptile in existence
to be found crawling or climbing ; no careful bee-master allows his hives to be placed
so that such a clumsy creature as a toad, or even a hedgehog, could effect a lodgment
at the entrance, for neither of these animals could walk up the post or props of the
bee-hives or boxes. The story reminds me of a great man, of rather weak intellect,
who was travelling on horseback in hot weather, and said to his friend,— How these
small flies annoy me by getting into my mouth and throat! Do you find it so?”
“No,” said his friend ; ‘‘ I always keep my mouth shut.” ‘“ Very true: so must I in
future.” The toad and the hedgehog devour insects of various sorts. I suspect that
the hedgehog attacks wild bees’ nests sometimes, as I saw one last summer and traced
his course to a moss-carders’ nest, which I had examined the day before, and the next
day the little comb was gone, and the bees had deserted. A hedgehog got by chance
into a stone trough at my house: the trough was only about 10 inches deep, and yet
the animal could not climb up to get out, and was caught there. I believe a toad
would suffer in this way also: I never even saw a toad on the top of a low wall. — H.
W. Newman ; New House, Stroud, October 10, 1853.

Description of a Specimen of the Lesser Forked Beard (Raniceps
trifurcatus) ; with an Announcement of the Occurrence of that
and two other rare British Fishes at Weymouth. By Wm.
THompson, Esq.

In announcing the occurrence of that very rare fish, the lesser
forked beard (Raniceps trifurcatus, Flem., R. Jago, Flem. and Cuvier),
XI. 3 C

4098 Fishes.

I have thought it advisable (bearing in mind the rarity of examining
specimens fresh) to give a very full description, as taken by myself,
immediately after the fish was caught.

The extreme length is 93 inches. The head is depressed, much
flattened, and very broad. ‘The under jaw 2 inches in width, much
shorter than the upper, and curved upwards. The mouth very wide,
round, and when opened measuring 14 inch in diameter. Lips large,
fleshy, the edges brown, the folds of the lips quite white, and in the
upper jaw very dilatable. A small conical barbule depends from the
under jaw. The teeth in the lower jaw are sharp, bent backwards,
and placed in two pretty regular rows. The upper jaw is similarly
armed, but the rows of teeth are irregularly placed. On the palate
there is a prominence, kidney-shaped, and covered with minute teeth.
The tongue is very broad, the actual fleshy portion is very small. The
eyes are half an inch in diameter, closely approximating, placed nearly
on the top of the head, and three quarters of an inch apart, the pupils
are black and the irides yellow. The nostrils are placed immediately
in front of each eye, and not at the end of the muzzle; they ap-
pear to open backwards, and to be closable at pleasure with loose
skin ; the orifices are very small. The anterior part of the body
is large, depressed, and tumid ; its greatest size is at a point 14 inch
from the snout, where it is 5 inches in circumference. The dorsal
profile commences to rise immediately in front of the first dorsal, and
so abruptly as to give that part of the body an arched appearance ;
almost immediately after attaining its highest elevation, it descends
gradually to the tail. The body becomes compressed from the first
dorsal to the vent, and from the vent to the tail so much as to be in
fact almost riband-shaped. The resemblance of this fish to a tadpole
strikes the most careless observer; and seldom have I seen a name
more appropriately bestowed.

The fin-ray formula is as follows : —

Ist D. 3: 2nd D. 62?: P. 28: V.6:°A. 59?: C. 36?

The second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are given on the authority of
Pennant, as [ could not count their rays: I believe them to be ac-
curate, and quote them with the less reluctance, as I find that in the
other fin-rays that author is correct. The first dorsal is triangular
and very small, and is composed of three rays, the longest of which
measures a quarter of an inch, which is double the length of the other
two: this fin commences at 3 inches from the snout. The second
dorsal commences half an inch behind the first dorsal, and ends

Fishes. 4099

almost close to the base of the caudal rays: it is nearly half an inch
broad, .and equal throughout its length; the tips of the rays are free,
and much deeper than the fin. The anal fin commences behind the
vent, and about 4+ inches from the snout, and ends in a direct line
with the posterior margin of the dorsal, and, like those of the dorsal,
the rays are produced beyond the membrane of the fin, and end in
free points. The caudal is wedge-shaped, and not wide: the extre-
mity is rounded. The pectorals are not very wide, rather wedge-
shaped, of moderate length, and the rays have the same free character
as those in the dorsal and anal fins. The ventrals are small: the two
anterior rays are free and detached ; the first ray measures 1 inch, and
the second 13 inch: both these free rays are white. The base of the
dorsal, for some little distance up the fin, is covered with scales.

The branchiz are four in number ; the branchial rays are five: the
branchial opening is very large. I could not detect the lateral line.
I noticed particularly the tubercles above the pectoral fins; they are
ten in number, and placed inarow. ‘They appear to me to be quite
independent of the skin, and, in fact, to be the heads of detached
bones imbedded in the muscles of the body. When the fish was quite
fresh and moist, these tubercles were not discernable ; as it became
dry and the skin tightened, the tubercles became apparent both to
sight and touch; and on my thoroughly moistening the fish, they
again disappeared.

The colour of the fish is a very dark brown; the fins darker still,
with the exception of the two long rays of the pectorals, which are
white. The scales are small, and easily detached, when the skin ap-
pears white underneath. The belly and under part, from the snout
to the vent, is of a paler brown.

The ova were contained in two small lobes, onal about an inch in
length, and the same in circumference in the largest portion ; that end
which was nearest the tail very sharp and lengthened out. ‘The sto-
mach was very large and quite empty: the swimming-bladder exceed-
ingly large, as in all the Gadide.

This fish was caught on the 8th of October, 1853, at a spot in
Weymouth Bay, about five miles from shore, on the Wreck of the
Abergavenny. It was caught on a whiting-line: the hook was baited
with a lug-worm (Arenicola piscatorum) for whiting pout. No doubt
this fish is equally ravenous with the rest of the cod family. From
being badly hooked, I could not keep it alive, and I was thus disap-
pointed of sending it to the Zoological Society’s vivarium, for which
it was obtained.

4100 Fishes.

I consider my experiments on the tubercles quite conclusive as to
the identity of Dr. Fleming’s supposed two species, Raniceps trifurca-
tus and R. Jago.

The Blue-striped Wrasse, (Labrus variegatus). Three specimens
of this beautiful fish have been brought me; they are in the vivarium
of the Zoological Society.

The Red Wrasse, (Labrus carneus). A specimen was brought me
alive on the 10th of October, and will be forwarded to the Zoological
Society, where it may be seen. As this fish differs from the descrip-
tions by authors, I will send my own description for the next month’s
* Zoologist.’

WILLIAM ‘THOMPSON.

Weymouth, Octuber 12, 1853.

Further Note on Tench and Pike.—In the September number (Zool. 4020) I gave
an account of a pike attacking a tench, an occurrence which is considered very unu-
sual, from the disinclination which all other fish are said to have to destroy the tench, the
presumed healing qualities of which are supposed by many persons to be the cause of
this immunity. Since my former communication I have had additional evidence of
the fallacy of this prevalent opinion; for in the pit alluded to, a few days after the oc-
currence of the event previously described, I saw another tench undergoing exactly
the same process, being carried about in the jaws of a pike, and too large for the lat-
ter to swallow: and I afterwards found a dead tench floating on the water, which had
evidently been killed by the bite of a pike. I have since had the pit dragged, and
out of ten or twelve brace of rather small tench, of the size an 8-Ib or 10-ib pike could
swallow, I was only able to catch three or four, all the rest having apparently been de-
stroyed by the pike, of which T took out several, some of them weighing 8 and 10 Ibs.
each. I therefore feel quite satisfied that any supposed immunity from the attacks of
other fishes with which the tench may he favoured on account of its medicinal quali-
ties, is totally unfounded, as well as that, for any other reason, it is neglected by the
pike when in pursuit of food.— W. H. Slaney ; Hatton Hall, October 6, 1853.

Note on a Variety of the Plaice (Platessa vulgaris).—A piebald variety of this fish
was lately caught at Lossiemouth, in the Moray Firth, and sent to me as something
worthy of notice. There was nothing peculiar about it either as to its size or shape,
the length being 18 inches and the breadth 11: the upper or eye side also had the
usual tints of the species. All that was remarkable about the fish lay in the colour of
the under side, more than one half of it being of the same olivaceous brown as the up-
per side, and with the same proportion of orange spots, placed chiefly opposite those
on the upper or eye side. The under lateral line was white throughout its whole
length. The anterior or head end of the under side was of the usual white colour, but
had on it three orange spots encircled by olivaceous brown, similar to the colour of the
upper side. The brown colour extended farther upon the abdominal part of the under

Mollusks. 4101

side than it did upon the dorsal fin. The line of demarcation between the white and

the brown was oblique and waved, but well defined, having little or no shading. The

piebald under side of this fish shows that light could have had little influence in form-
ing the colouring matter of the skin.—G. Gordon ; Birnie by Elgin, August, 1853.

Catalogue of Marine Mollusca inhabiting the Dublin Coast.
By Witu1aM WHITE WALPOLE, Esq.

I HAvE frequently thought that if a series of local lists of the Mol-
lusca of the British seas were published, they would prove quite as
interesting and useful for comparison with each other as those of the
land and fresh-water species. I have therefore the pleasure of for-
warding to you a list of such as I have taken on this interesting coast;
— interesting, I say, because there is perhaps no part of the British
Islands which can present such a naturally favourable situation for
the study of marine Conchology ; since it possesses many extensive
strands, strewed with numerous rarities after an easterly gale, besides
rich dredging-grounds, such as Dalkey Sound, and the bays of Dublin,
Killiney, and Bray. Added to which, our trawlers, who profitably
fish the deeper waters off this coast, occasionally bring in species
which could not otherwise be obtained except by an expensive course
of dredging, which but few conchologists can adopt. _I need hardly
say that the nomenclature is according to Messrs. Forbes and Hanley’s
truly valuable work on our Mollusca: those which I have not been
able to procure alive, are marked with an asterisk (*).

Teredo megotara. Killiney Strand, after an easterly gale, Decem-
ber, 1849. ‘The wood in which they occurred was pine.

*Pholas candidus. Merrion Strand.

* 4, crispata. Malahide and Portmarnock Strands.

* ,, dactylus. Merrion Strand.

Xylophaga dorsalis. Trawled in Skerry Bay: I have observed it
also in old trawl-beams.

Saxicava arctica. General.

" rugosa. Common.

Mya arenaria and truncata. Both common, but difficult to be ob-
tained in fine condition.

Corbula nucleus. General.

» rosea. Very rare; a few have been taken off this coast.

Sphenia Binghami. Rare; inhabiting the thick valves of oyster-
shells, Dalkey Sound.

4102 Mollusks.

Lyonsia Norvegica. Dalkey Sound and Killiney Bay, in about 10
fathoms.
Thracia convexa. Very rare: trawled off Skerry Bay.

5 distorta. Rare; Dalkey Sound.

" phaseolina. The strands of Merrion, Salthill, &c.; Dal-
key Sound, in about 9 fathoms.

Ps villosiuscula. Dalkey Sound, at the same depth.
Cochlodesma pretenue. Very rare; Dalkey Sound, Killiney Bay.
Solen ensis. Common. ?

# » var. magna. Occasionally with the common form.

» Warginatus. Rare, but obtained on all our sandy beaches.

» Siliqua. Common.

55 pellucidus. Occasionally driven ashore, but may be taken
fine, and in some numbers, with the dredge, in 12 fathoms, Killiney
Bay.

Solecurtus coarctatus. Rare; Skerry Bay. |
Ceratisolen legumen. Not common, but may be found on all our
sandy beaches.
Psammobia Ferroensis. General.
¥ tellinella. Dalkey Sound and Killiney Bay.
Tellina crassa. Scarce; Dalkey Sound.
» donacina. Same locality as the preceding species.
» fabula. General.
» tenuis. Common.
» solidula. Common.
» incarnata. Rare; Blackrock, Salthill, and Portmarnock
Strands.
» pygmea. Very rare; Dalkey Sound.
Syndosmya alba and prismatica. Both very fine from the stomachs
of fish.
Scrobicularia piperata. Inhabiting the mud-deposits at the mouth
of the Liffy.
Donax anatinus. General.
Mactra elliptica. Dalkey Sound, and also obtained from the sto-
machs of fish.

» solidula. Common.
stultorum. Common.

x s var. cinerea. Portmarnock Strand.

» subtruncata. Merrion Strand; I have also observed it on
the South Bull.

5 truncata. Rare; in the same localities.

Mollusks. 4103

Lutraria elliptica. General.
Tapes decussata. General.
»5 pullastra. General.
a s var. perforans. Inhabiting the roots of Laminaria.
5, virginea. Dalkey Sound and Killiney Bay.
*Cytherea Chione. An odd valve in Dalkey Sound.
Venus casina. Off Dalkey Island.
», fasciata. General.
» Striatula. Common.
ss 5 var. gallica. Off Dublin Bay, Dalkey Sound, &c.
55 ovata. General.
Artemis exoleta and lincta. Very fine in Dalkey Sound, and may
be found on all the strands after gales.
Lucinopsis undata. The strands of Portmarnock, North and South
Bull, Merrion, &c.
Cyprina Islandica. General.
Circe minima. Very rare; Dalkey Sound.
Astarte elliptica. Very rare; Dalkey Sound.
» sulcata, and var. Scotica. Scarce; Dalkey Sound.
* ,, triangularis. Scarce; Dalkey Sound.
Isocardia cor. Off Skerry Bay.
Cardium echinatum. General.

5 edule. Common.

3 fasciatum. Frequent; Dalkey Sound and Killiney Bay.
, nodosum. Ditto; ditto.

- Suecicum. Very rare; off Dublin Bay.

a Norvegicum. General.

Lucina borealis. Fine, and frequent.
» Sspinifera. Rare; off Dublin Bay.
» flexuosa. Rare; Portmarnock, Merrion, and other strands,
and Dalkey Sound.
*Montacuta bidentata and *ferruginosa. Portmarnock Strand.
Kellia suborbicularis. Dalkey Sound, &c.
*Lepton squamosum. Dalkey Sound, &c.
Mytilus edulis. Common.
ip » var. pellucidus. Occasionally.
Modiola modiolus. Common.
Crenella discors. Dalkey Sound.
» marmorata. Dalkey Sound, Killiney Bay ; and I have
observed it frequently at low water.
Nucula decussata. Rare; off Dublin Bay.

4104 Mollusks.

Nucula nitida. Dalkey Sound, Killiney Bay, &c. 7
» nucleus. General.
» Yadiata. Rare; Dalkey Sound.
» tenuis. Ditto.
Leda caudata. Very rare; Dalkey Sound and Killiney Bay.
Pectunculus glycimeris. Rare; off Dublin Bay and in Dalkey
Sound. .
Lima hians. Very rare; Killiney Bay.
» Loscombii. Rare; Dalkey Sound.
Pecten maximus. Dublin, Killiney, and Bray; also in Dalkey
Sound.
» niveus. Very rare; Kingstown, Dublin Bay.
» oOpercularis. General.
», pusio. Off Dalkey Island.
» varius. Dublin Bay, Dalkey Sound, &c.
» tigrinus. Bays of Killiney and Bray, and Dalkey Sound.
Ostrea edulis. Many fine oyster-beds are dispersed throughout our
bays. I have found good pearls in those taken in Dalkey Sound.
Anomia aculeata. Dalkey Sound and Killiney.
» ephippium. Rare; off Dublin Bay.
y 7 var. sguamula. Found in the interior of Iso-
cardia cor.
5 Striata. Very rare; Dalkey Sound.
» patelliformis. General.
Chiton asellus. Killiney Bay and Dalkey Sound.
» fascicularis. Scarce; Killiney, &c.
i cinereus. General.
» levis. Rare; Dalkey Sound.
» ‘uber. Rare; Dalkey Sound and Killiney.
» marmoreus? Salthill.
Patella vulgata. Common.
» athletica. Killiney.
» pellucida. Killiney, in the roots of Laminaria.
a 3 var levis. Ditto.
Acmea testudinalis. Salthill.
» virginea. Dublin and Killiney Bays, and Dalkey Sound.
Dentalium entalis. General.
ae Tarentinum. Rare; Dublin Bay and Dalkey Sound.
Pileopsis Hungaricus. Skerry Bay, Dalkey Sound, and off Bray.
Fissurella reticulata. Scarce; Dalkey Sound.
Emarginula reticulata. Ditto.

Mollusks. A105

Trochus granulatus. Rare; off the Bays of Dublin and Bray.
» ziziphinus. General.

5 3 var. levis. Dalkey Sound, &c.
” 2 var. Lyonsit. Ditto.

53 cinerarius. Common.

9 “i var. ? Dalkey Sound.

. umbilicatus. General.
5» Magus. Dalkey Sound.
peg, exiguus. Very rare; Dublin Bay.
» Montagui. Dalkey Sound and Killiney Bay.
A tumidus. Dalkey Sound, &c.
Phasianella pulla. Not uncommon.
Littorina littorea. Common.
zaneradis.. ( Ditto:
ms » var. zonaria. General.
» tenebrosa. General.
», littoralis. Common.
Lacuna pallidula. Rare; Killiney, &c.
» puteolus. Ditto.
» vincta. General.
= » var. guadrifasciata. General.
Rissoa costata. Not common.
» striata. Common.
»» inconspicua. General.
* ,, labiosa. Rare; Dublin Bay.
5» parva. Common.
» Ulve. Ditto.
Turritella communis. Common.
9 ~ var. nivea. Killiney Bay.
Aporrhais pes-pelicani.
Cerithium reticulatum. General.
*Scalaria communis. South Bull, &c.
mn, Turtonis. Rare; Merrion, &c.
Eulima polita. Rare; off Dublin Bay and Dalkey Sound.
*Chemnitzia elegantissima. Strands of Portmarnock, North Bull,
&c., and Dalkey Sound.
* 4 rufa. Rare; Portmarnock Strand, &c.
Natica monilifera and nitida. General.
Velutina levigata. Not uncommon.
Lamellaria perspicua and tentaculata. Rare; Dublin Bay.
Murex erinaceus. General.
XI. 3 D

4106 Crustacea.

Purpura lapillus. Common.
Nassa incrassata and reticulata. General.
Buccinum undatum. Common.
Fusus antiquus. Common.
» lslandicus. Not common.
» propinquus. Rare; off Dublin Bay.
Trophon muricatus. Strands of Merrion, Sandy Mount, &c.; and
dredged in Dalkey Sound and off Dublin Bay.
hi, Barvicensis. Very rare; Dalkey Sound.
A clathratus. Off Dublin Bay.
Mangelia costata. General.
ae linearis. Not uncommon; Dalkey Sound, &c.
ds nebula. Scarce; Dublin Bay.
> rufa. Ditto.
9 septangularis. Rare; off Dublin Bay.
ue glacialis. Ditto.
= turricula, Off Dublin Bay.
Cyprea Europea. Common.
Cylichna cylindracea. Rare; Dalkey Sound.
* obtusa. Dublin Bay.
Tornatella fasciata. Dalkey Sound, &c.
Scaphander lignarius. Off the bays of Dublin, Killiney and Bray.
Philine aperta. Not uncommon.
» catena. Very rare; Dalkey Sound.
» scabra. Rare; Dalkey Sound.

Aplysia hybrida. Rare ; Dalkey Sound.
WILLIAM WHITE WALPOLE.
Windsor Lodge, Monkstown,
Co. Dublin, September 27, 1853.

Note on the occurrence of Caprella levis in the Moray Firth.—Recently as I have
sent you a list of Crustaceans found in the Moray Firth, there have already been a few
additions made to it: the Caprella levis is one of them. I take this opportunity of
recording the habits of this animal, as observed by Mr. G. Murray, at Burghead; and
this IT could not do better than by quoting at length his letter to me on the subject :—
“I sent to you last week a strange-looking Crustacean, discovered near low-water
mark of a spring tide. I was prying under a huge stone in quest of Nudibranchs,
when, amidst the Zoophytes with which its surface was thickly covered, I observed
something performing a series of movements that denoted vitality, and that of the most
active kind. Attached by its lower extremity, and having its long slender body en-
tirely free, the creature bent itself into the form of an irregular hoop, bringing its head

Insects. 4107

into contact with its feet, and, after tugging for a few seconds at something that ap-
peared to offer a formidable resistance, it erected itself with a sudden jerk and a nod-
ding motion of two horn-like processes on its head, at the same time vigorously plying
two strong-looking limbs on the upper part of its body. After watching it for some
time, and seeing it frequently repeat these movements with the greatest energy, I
managed to secure it, and found that the object on which it had been bestowing so
much attention was a small Rissoa. With what design the tiny mollusk was thus
treated I am unable to state; but, as it appeared to be uninjured, I think it probable
that it was itself the tormentor, and that the Crustacean wanted to get rid of it. What-
ever the creature may be, it does not seem to be very rare, as I have since found other
four. I have sent you that first obtained, which is by far the largest. I shall be glad
to learn the name of it, and any other particulars you may be disposed to communi-
cate. Its griffin-like appearance, fiery eye, strange movements, and immense activity,
would be terrific in a large animal. I have been much interested in observing it.
After bringing it home, I put it into a bottle of sea-water containing some twigs of
Sertularia argentea. I then found that it has two modes of progression: the first is
similar to that of the Hydra, with which doubtless you are familiar, I mean that par-
ticular style in which the head always takes the lead; by this method it clambered
over the zoophyte with surprising agility. The other is a swimming movement, effected
by drawing up the feet towards the head, and then striking them out; this is done ra-
pidly, but the process is slow and awkward.” This was communicated to me by Mr.
Murray in May last.—G. Gordon ; Birnie, by Elgin, N. B., October 7, 1853.

Note on the occurrence of Sphinx Convolvuli at Bridgwater.—About two weeks ago
I took in my garden, near Bridgwater, a fine specimen of the Convolvulus hawk-moth
(Sphinx Convolvuli). This insect is, I believe, rare everywhere in Britain; it is so
rare in this part of the country, that the only other specimen I remember to have heard
of, is one taken by me more than twenty years ago, in a court-yard in Bridgwater.—
Thomas Clark ; Halesleigh, October 10, 1853.

[This insect was most abundant in England in 1846, and captures of hundreds of
specimens were recorded in the ‘ Zoologist’ for that year.—E. iN.

Larva of Acherontia Atropos feeding un the Tuber of the Potato. — The larve of
the death’s-head moth (Acherontia Atropos) have been unusually plentiful in our neigh-
bourhood this summer. This larva appears to prefer for its food the tuber of the potato
rather than the leaves ; indeed, a friend of mine tells me he could never get it to eat
the leaves, but meeting with one lately which, like the rest, refused the leaves, it oc-
curred to him to offer it slices of the tuber, when the creature instantly seized them,
and fed voraciously.—Id.

The Larva of Cerula Vinula using Fragments of Potato in its Cocoon.—An instance
of the ability which caterpillars possess of forming their cocoons of a material foreign
to their usual habits, occurred to my friend at the same time. He had a full-grown
larva of the puss-moth (Cerura Vinula), which was placed in a glass vessel with slices
of potato, and with these it formed a cocoon as complete and beautiful as it could have
done with the material it usually employs, the willow-wood.—Jd.

4108 Radiata.—Entomological Society.

Occurrence of the Rosy Feather Star (Comatula rosacea) §-c. at Weymouth. — On
Saturday, the 3rd of this month, my dredgers brought me a specimen of the rosy fea-
ther star (Comatula rosacea). I carefully compared it with Forbes’s description, and
was not surprised at finding I had nothing toadd. Mine had but seven arms, and the
colour consisted of blotches of reddish brown and of white. It was caught attached
to a stone, which was dredged in Weymouth Bay; I did not disturb it, as I had to
send it to the Zoological Society, in whose vivarium at the Regent’s Park it now is.
I have also heard of their having been caught off the Devonshire coast. Among the
many rarities which the Society have lately placed in their vivarium, may be men-
tioned Muller’s top-knot, Jago’s goldsinny, and the cork-wing, all from Weymouth.—
William Thompson ; Weymouth, September 7, 1858.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

October 3, 1853.—Epwarp Newman, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors : — The ‘ Zoologist’ for October ; by the Editor. The ‘ Atheneum’ for Sep-
tember; by the Editor. The‘ Literary Gazette’ for September; by the Editor. The
‘ Journal of the Society of Arts’ for September; by the Society. Hewitson’s ‘ Exotic
Butterflies, part 8; by W. W. Saunders, Esq. ‘ Entomologische Zeitung, June to
September; by the Entomological Society of Stettin. ‘ Versuch die Europaischen
Spanner von J. Lederer,’ Wein, 1853, and ‘ Lepidoptera Microptera que J. A. Wahl-
berg in Caffrorum terra collegit, descripsit P. C. Zeller, Stockholm, 1853 ; by Profes-
sor Zeller, Hon. M.E.S. ‘ Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club,’ 1852;
by the Club.

Dr. Lankester exhibited some of the “ flies” recorded in the public papers to have
appeared in vast numbers at Newcastle during the prevalence of the cholera in that
town last month : and read the following extract from a letter written by a gentleman
residing at Newcastle, respecting them : —

“They appeared some days before the cholera broke out with such virulence. For
many days we had a dense heavy atmosphere, very depressing to the spirits ; and the
flies came in such swarms as only to be compared to the time when God filled the
land of Egypt with a grievous swarm of flies. They appear to be only creatures of a
day, those of yesterday die off and are replaced by others, and in the morning I find
thonsands of them dead.”

On examination by the President, these “ flies” were found to be Aphides, of two
or three species,* which feed ona great variety of plants. These Aphides have no
local connexion with Newcastle; but at this season of the year the usual migration of
the winged females cccurs, often in immense swarms. The hot, moist, stagnant at-
mosphere, observed to be concomitant with the appearance of cholera, would probably
favour their development, and would certainly cause them to be more noticed ; for
such frail creatures could not move about in windy weather.

* Mr. Walker has since pronounced them to be mostly Aphis Rumicis.

Entomological Society. 4109

Mr. Saunders observed that vast numbers of Diptera were seen in India on hot,
damp mornings, locally termed “ cholera-weather:” and Mr. Baly added that in War-
wickshire, in 1849, during the prevalence of the cholera, the people had noticed great
swarms of flies called “ cholera-flies.” Of what kind they were he did not know; but
“neither in these, nor in the present appearance, could it be imagined there was any
connexion between them and the disease.

Mr. Foxcroft sent for exhibition two boxes of his captures of insects of all Orders
in Perthshire.

Mr. Edwin Shepherd exhibited a hermaphrodite Alcis consortaria, in which the
right side was female.

Mr. Smith exhibited specimens of many rare Hymenoptera, taken at Southend ;
and a living specimen of the male of the parasitic Anthophorabia nitida, now eleven
days old, although it had been stated by Mr. Newport, that it did not live more than
eighteen hours. Mr. S. stated that he should make a further communication respect-
ing this insect at the next meeting.

Mr. Ingpen sent for exhibition leaves of Chrysanthemums, greatly infested with
Dipterous mining larve, which first disfigured and eventually destroyed them; but
never to such an extent as during the present season. These larve were a second
brood, the former having ceased their devastations two months ago. They are proba-
bly the larve of Tephritis Onopordinis and Artemisiz, on which there is an article by
Mr. Westwood, in Loudon’s ‘ Gardener’s Magazine’ for 1839.

Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited specimens of a Xylocopa from Port Natal, with its
nest, consisting of several chambers formed in a reed: also a mud nest of a species of
Pelopeus, which contained five living pupe when he received it, but they had all pro-
duced only parasitic Crypti.

Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a collection of insects, of several Orders, just received
from Mr. Bates, collected in the region of the Amazon, including many small Coleo-
ptera, most of which were probably new.

Mr. Hemmings sent for exhibition Asopia nemoralis, Scop., taken June 26th, at
Holm Bush, near Henfield, Sussex, and Choreutes vibrana, Hub., taken September
11th, near Hurst, Sussex ; both being new British species: also Phibalapteryx gem-
maria, taken at Hurst, September 11th, and Coleophora bimotapennella,—a fine speci-
men, showing the characteristic markings,—taken at Brighton in August.

Mr. Douglas exhibited specimens of Gelechia instabilella, bred from Chenopodium
maritimum, gathered at Brighton in August.

The President read the following note by J. Walter Lea, Esq., communicated in a
letter from A. R. Hogan, Esq.

“ Parasitic (P) Moth found in the Pupa of Lasiocampa Trifolii. — In the course
of the early summer of 1848, I found a caterpillar of Lasiocampa Trifolii in the vici-
nity of Oxford, which throve satisfactorily, and in due time entered the pupa state,
having formed its cocoon in the regular compact oval form peculiar to it. Instead,
however, of the imago appearing, as it should have done, in July or August, it conti-
nued in the pupa state the whole of the summer, autumn, and winter of that year, and
also through the spring and summer of 1849. I then thought it must be dead, and
opened the cocoon to ascertain the fact, when I found it not only alive, but quite lively,
and apparently in perfect health. Having carefully closed the cocoon, I replaced it
in the box where I was preserving it, and looked at it from time to time during the

4110 Entomological Society.

autumn and early winter of the same year, always finding it alive and lively, and very
carefully closing the cocoon and box after each examination, so that no mischief should
happen to it. In the beginning of 1850, the pupa ceased to show signs of life when
examined and handled, but not knowing what to make of it, I took redoubled care of
it, and kept it by me all through the summer and autumn of the year; but towards
Christmas, being persuaded that it must be really dead, I at last resolved to open it,
which I did; and the first thing that I saw on making an opening in the puparium,
was the head and eyes of a small moth, moving about rapidly, and in the most lively
manner. A few moments sufficed to exhume the little creature, which was about the
size and had very much the general appearance of Margaritia hyalinalis. It was very
lively, and walked quickly about the table, moving its antennz in all directions. The
wings were all shrivelled and crumpled together, so that I could make but very little
of them, nor did they in the least expand with exercise. The inside of the puparium
of the Lasiocampa Trifolii was filled witha dry pale powder, and I could find no trace
of any cocoon, or vestige of any kind, of the moth which I had just extracted from it.
There was no evidence to show how long it had been there; and as it was manifestly
far too small and feeble to make any opening in its prison by its own efforts, it must
have remained there until it died, had I not opportunely set it free. It did not occupy
more than one-sixth of the interior of the puparium, and lay in a reversed position,
with the apex of the abdomen in the place of the head of the proper occupant. It was
quite unable to turn itself round inside the case, as it was too long, and also the whole
space which it did not fill, was well filled with the dry powder above mentioned. <A
rigid examination showed no opening in the puparium through which anything could
have entered; and indeed the pupa had been too carefully preserved to be within the
reach of accident or enemies. Most unfortunately, before I had completed my inves-
tigations, I was suddenly called away, and in my absence the whole was swept away
and destroyed by a servant. I took no memorandum of it at the time, being exceed-
ingly busy, but I have the clearest recollection of the circumstances, and can answer
for the facts being in every particular correct. I cannot explain the matter, and should
be very glad of any light that can be thrown upon it.— J. Walter Lea; Ramsgate,
September 7, 1853.”

The President called the attention of the Society to three different subjects, as
under; requesting observations from the members present.

1. Bees destroyed by Toads.—“A friend has lately communicated to me a fact rela-
tive to bees, which, having mentioned to my highly esteemed and venerable friend, Dr.
Bevan, and having been recommended by that distinguished apiarian to make it pub-
lic, I beg to submit to the Svciety. My friend relates, that a stock of bees was ob-
served to grow weaker day by day, until at last it became so pauperized that the hive
was removed, and the bees turned adrift to shift for themselves: nothing amiss was
detected in the interior of the hive. A second stock shortly afterwards exhibited simi-
lar symptoms of depopulation ; and a suspicion was entertained that some nocturnal
depredator entered the hive at night and devoured the bees. About two hours after
dark, the hive was visited with a view to an inspection of the interior; but on arriving
at the spot with a lantern, the owner found a large toad squatted on the alighting-
board, and looking about him with bright and animated eyes. Presently, a night-
roving bee returned home; there was a sudden movement on the part of the toad, and

Entomological Society. A111

the bee vanished. A long interval of patient watching ensued, when a second bee came
home, a similar movement of the toad followed, and the bee again vanished : but the
light of the lantern being this time thrown full upon him, he was distinctly observed
to swallow. The toad was caught and killed, and eight still living bees were taken
from his stomach. I attempt no explanation of the mode in which the toad attained
his station at the entrance of the hive, or what antidote he possessed against the poi-
son so likely to be conveyed by the stings of the bees; all I can do is to vouch for the
veracity of my informant, which I do without any hesitation.”

Mr. Weir, in reply to an observation made as to the difficulty of a toad’s climbing,
stated that he knew an instance in which a toad had climbed up an open door, and
seated himself on the top.

2. Oniscus Armadillo. — “ Finding this milleped extremely injurious to ferns and
Lycopodiums, I have paid some little attention to its habits, with a view to arresting
its increase. In pursuing this object, I have made a few observations that appear to
me of some interest. In the first place, the female is strictly viviparous, and the young
are perfectly developed while still in the ovary of the female: they are from sixteen to
twenty-two in number, and after birth attach themselves to the legs of their parent,
and are carried about by her. I found them first in this position ; afterwards I ob-
served the female in the act of parturition; and, lastly, I killed several females which
appeared gravid, and found the young apparently ready for extrusion.* In the second
place I find that the young, although possessing perfectly developed organs of locomo-
tion, manducation, &c., have not the configuration of the adult: the second segment
(? cephalothorax) being proportionately larger, and bearing the eyes, which are situ-
ated near its exterior margin. Thirdly, the similarity of these minute millepeds
to the extinct trilobites, particularly to the genus Asaphus, is most striking, especially
in the figure of the enlarged second segment, and the position of the eyes, which are
elongate, linear, very distant, and have a reflexed external margin. The difference
between the infant and adult Oniscus Armadillo, and the similarity of the infant O.
Armadillo to a trilobite, would almost induce the conclusion that the trilobites were a
lower form of Isopod Crustacea, rather than allies of Limulus and cognate genera.

This similarity to a trilobite, is equally apparent whether the milleped be extended or
tolled into a bail.”

3. Typhlocyba Filicum. — “I beg to exhibit, under the provisional name of
Typhlocyba Filicum, a minute Hemipterous insect, which a good deal resembles the
Typhlocyba Ulmi of Germar, Walker, and other entomologists, but which seems to
me to be specifically distinct. The anterior wings are bright yellow to rather below
the middle, the apical portion transparent, irrorated with black; the head is yellow-
green, with prominent black eyes; the prothorax is also yellow-green ; the scutellum
is an equilateral triangle, and yellowish green ; the abdomen is intensely black, with
the extreme margin of each segment yellow, thus giving it a distinctly annulated
appearance. My object in desiring to attract the attention of the Society to this
little creature, is to point out the excessive injury which it commits in ferneries.
To ferns in a wild state it is highly injurious, often changing their delicate green

* Some of these were exhibited.

4112 Entomological Society.

colour to a sickly yellow or whitey-brown ; but its introduction into a glazed house in
which ferns are cultivated, is quite fatal to the beauty of their appearance. It inserts
its short, strong, and acute rostrum into the parenchyma of the frond, and remains for
days in one position, apparently engaged during the whole time in extracting the sap,,
after the manner of an Aphis. The result of this abstraction of the juices of the plant
is not, as in the case of the Aphis, a distortion of the leaf, but the production of whitish
or yellowish spots or blotches, which increase in number and size until the entire frond
is permanently although not uniformly discoloured. The injury is committed by the
insect in all its stages; but as its growth to maturity is extremely rapid, and as its life
in the imago state is usually prolonged, it follows that the injury caused by the insect in
its perfect, is much greater than that in its preparatory states. It is worthy of remark,
that all the species of ferns are not equally obnoxious to its attacks ; for of our Eng-
lish ferns, Osmunda regalis and Asplenium lanceolatum are rarely touched ; Lastrea
Filix-mas, L. spinosa, L. uliginosa, L. multiflora and L. rigida are greatly injured ;
and Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum and Polypodium vulgare are sometimes absolutely
killed. When disturbed, the insect leaps off the frond after the usual manner of the
Cercopide ; but when once committed to the air, it flies about, and even hovers, with
all the facility of a Musca. The smoke of tobacco, if the greenhouse can be sufficiently
closed, is fatal; but there is a great deal of difficulty in applying it effectually in a
large or imperfectly closed house. The nuisance may also be in some degree abated,
by burning the fronds in autumn, and thus, in all probability, destroying the eggs.”

Read, a “ Description of a new Species of Lithocolletis,—L. irradiella.” By John
Scott, Esq. It is very like L. lautella, but the anterior wings are darker, the streaks
more slender, and the spot at the anal angle not on the inner margin. The specimen
from which the description was made, was taken in July, in a damp wood near Ren-
frew, and was exhibited to the meeting.

Read the following extracts from a letter to the Secretary, by the Rev. Joseph
Greene, of Wendover : —

“No genus of moths that I am acquainted with is so subject to Ichneumons as
Notodonta. Of N. camelina, I should say seven in every ten are pierced. I found
five of N. trepida this year, four were pierced ; and the same with N. zic-zac, which
is common here in the larva state. N. dicteaa and dicteoides are apparently more
fortunate.”

“ The singular epidemic of muscardine ? exists to a great extent among larve this
year, arising, I imagine, from the extreme dampness of the season. The characteris-
tics of the disease are, that when the larva is fully grown, it suddenly, and without the
slightest apparent premonitory symptom, becomes stiff and rigid, with the fore part of
the body extended, and in a short time dries up. I have found it in zic-zac, Coryli,
antiqua, angularia, &c. My house being unfortunately very damp, I should not have
thought much of this circumstance, but it has, I believe, been noticed by others.”

The President drew the attention of the Meeting to the Rev. J. F. Dawson’s pro-
spectus of his ‘ Monograph of the British Geodephaga, recommending the proposed
work as worthy of their support, and stating that unless a sufficient number of sub-
scribers was obtained, it would not appear.—J. W. D.

Natural-History Collectors. 4113

Proceedings of Natural-History Collectors in Foreign Countries.

Mr. H. W. Bates.* —“ Santarem, March 10, 1853. — The collec-
tion I now send, small in bulk, but numerous in minute species, will,
I hope, reach you safely and in good condition. The unusually dry
weather we had up to the middle of February, was unfavourable to
the appearance of small Hymenoptera, Hemiptera and moths, of which,
had it been otherwise, I know I could have collected great numbers,
and of different species, as sent you last year, in May. My research-
es, which I recommenced as soon as I recovered from the effects of
my Tapajos journey, since the beginning of December last have been
chiefly in entirely new ground, — moist forests on banks of rivulets
at two leagues distance from Santarem. I had begun to work the
small Coleoptera before I received your letter of October 7, 1852, in
which you recommend me to do so; and I wish to call your atten-
tion to them. You will find a number of small species of Cleride,
curious species of Pelonium, especially one like a very small Tele-
phorus, Platynoptera, Priocera, &c.: from what I can make out with
the capital reswmé of the 2nd vol. of Chenu, and the British Museum
Catalogue, some of these must be mew. They require very close
searching for, most of them being very quiet, feeding on the under
side of the leaves of spiny palms in swamps. There are several spe-
cies of different genera of Pselaphide, Tyrus, Euplectus, Bryaxis and
Scydmenus, which, together with other things, I find at roots of trees
on the borders of swamps. I have a unique specimen of a new spe-
cies of Metopias, Gory, with spined thorax arid elytra; only one was
previously known, M. curculionides, found by Lacordaire at Cayenne.
I have searched closely for further specimens, at present without suc-
cess. In similar localities I found all the small Trechi, Bembidia,
Ege, Lachnophori, and small Staphylinide, as well as the Dyschirii
and Clivina; most of the latter do not belong to the European genera,
but are very different, and curious in their forms. Then there is a
variety of minute Curculionidz and Bruchi, especially of genera allied
to Baris, Mecinus, &c.; all are found at flowers of various kinds. I
think I have still with me double the number of species now sent,
which, by degrees, I shall sort out and remit. All these things follow
pretty much the same rule as the larger Coleoptera; that is, indivi-
duals are not numerous, but species of endless diversity. There are

* Communicated by Mr. S. Stevens.
XI. 3 E

4114 Natural-History Collectors.

many small Buprestide too, many very pretty yellowish Lebie and
Dromii; the species of these have a very similar facies, but are very
distinct, especially in the form of the thorax. There are some pretty
longicorns, Ibidoin, Necydalis, Chrysoprasis &c. The butterflies
are few, only tw6 or three species of Erycinide and Thecle, very
remarkable. The series of handsome Pepsis, even if not new, will
perhaps please Messrs. F. Smith and Baly, as I have been careful to
select very fine and perfect specimens. In the other box, one side
has a number of duplicate specimens for myself, which I shall some
day find useful for dissection &c. The fine Chlenius appears to be
almost spoiled from the oil which exudes from the body.

“] am really sorry for Mr. Wallace’s loss. Had it been my case, lL
think I should have gone desperate, because, so far as regards the
unique specimens, the journal &c., such a loss is irreparable. If he
should visit the Andes, there is plenty of work todo. I[ have chalked
out a route which I should like to undertake myself, but it must be
after a visit to England. Itis, to land at Guayaquil, cross the Cor-
dillera to the settlements on the Napo, thence descending slowly this
river, to make a stay at Nauta on the Upper Amazons: this is a route
followed by many Spanish traders. At Nauta may be had repose,
wholesome living, and good collecting: a European family resides
there, one Mr. Cauper, who speaks English. What hosts of new
Cybdeles, Catagrammas &c. one might expect! Thence it would not
be difficult to go up the Huallaya, cross to Moyobamba, Chachapoya,
to Truxillo: the great disadvantage is, that I do not see how one
could forward the partial collections to England. At Nauta, if the
Brazilian Government fulfils its promise, there will arrive a steamer
from Para once or twice a year; if so, it would be easy to remit to
England. I intend to stay here working at the small species, until I
see whether the steamer will be forthcoming for the Upper Amazons.
The Barra steamer is fairly going, having made two voyages, but it is
supported almost entirely by the bonus from government, as the whole
freights &c. only reach one-sixth of its monthly expenses! As to get-
ting from this place to Ega in one’s own canoe or as a passenger, it
is an utter impossibility.

“The Tapajos collection, I hope, has reached you safely ere this; I
sent it November 25th. The collection of Diurnes therein was fine.
I see by Mr. Hewitson’s plate of Pieris, that there were three new spe-
cies in the collections of this genus alone. If the Peru steamer comes
it will be most likely in May and June, just the time to arrive in Kga
for the rarer Cybdeles, Timetes, Eubages, Prioni, &c. As my health

a

Natural-History Collectors. A115

is quite re-established, in fact better than in England, I think it un-
wise to leave the country without again visiting that rich region, and
indeed going up still higher after the fine Napo Catagrammas, and
_ the short-tail monkeys (Onakary), which I am sure Dr. J. E. Gray
would like to have a series of ; especially as an opportunity offers of
going up in fifteen days, it taking four months in a sailing vessel.

““I may state here that Megacephala Spixii is most certainly distinct
from M. Martii, since it has its own peculiar range, soil, and habits.
I have not seen a single specimen of the former at Santarem, the
only place where I have seen M. Martii, in soils and localities quite
distinct from those of M. Spixii, and no intermediate variations of
colour have occurred. A specimen of M. spinosa? went in the col-
lection of June last ; yesterday 1 found a third specimen, and a series
of quite a different Megacephalous larva. M. spinosa? has its pecu-
liar habits likewise; the three specimens were all taken about mid-day,
running about dry sandy campos; at night, I have searched the place
for it without seeing one. M. curta was very common a few days ago,
close to the edge of the water, on sandy beaches: it hides in the day-
time in semi-aquatic retreats under stones or sediments, I never saw
it five yards from the moist edge of the water. About a month ago I
saw undoubtedly an Iresia running over the trunk of a tree on a slop-
ing bank in the forest, but missed it.”

“Santarem, March 30, 1853.— On the 12th instant I forwarded to
you a collection and letters by a sailing vessel; I now avail myself of
our steamer to write again and report progress, but most likely both
letters will leave Para by the same ship. Although my gains the last
year and a half appear very small, I am not much discouraged, as my
private collection is unusually fine, and two expensive voyages that I
made in the time, will not occur again. _I have previously stated the
great difficulty in exploring out-of-the-way places, as the river Capari
on the Tapajos, and that I should be reluctant to undertake such ex-
pensive and arduous voyages again. Forward me as often as you can
a few numbers of the ‘ Zoologist, especially for the sake of the reports
of the Entomological Society contained therein ; also all new Museum
Catalogues of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes and insects as they ap-
pear, and Chenu’s work, as being cheap, and easily replaced if lost.
As a brother of the net, the death of Mr. J. F. Stephens.was very sad
intelligence; he did a great deal towards popularizing and facilitating
Entomology in England. I should much like to have you here for
three months; the novelty to me has, of course, worn off, but the real

4116 Natural-H istory Collectors.

fixed interest in the objects has constantly increased. I do not now
feel startled to see, instead of a few Pieris Rap, Gonepteryx Rham-
ni, Vanessa Urtice, Polyommatus Alexis, &c., crowds of large yellow
and orange Callidryas, madly darting about the suburbs, with quanti-
ties of the green Cethonia Dido, Agraulis Vanille, strange silver-span-
gled Argynnide, with long narrow wings, numbers of delicate little
Terias, where there is a carpeting of flowering shrubs; big Phanei,
especially Ph. lancifer and Ph. Mimus, and great heavy Coprides, ly-
ing smashed on the path-ways in early morning; bright green Calli-
chromas, with red legs, smelling of musk more strongly than your
nearly allied Aromia moschata, pestering one everywhere on showery
days ; besides another of the Cerambycida—Chlorida festiva—flying
into one’s face whilst writing by lamp-light. One entomological phe-
nomenon, which struck me very much on my first arrival, I have now
got so used to as not to notice it, except when I make an effort to do
so; it is the wonderful incessant ringing of the Grylli and Acridia at
night, in the suburbs of the towns, joined to the quacking, drumming,
and hooting of the toads and tree-frogs: it fills the air with a reso-
nance of life quite magical to a European. I speak now only of open
grounds in the suburbs of towns; but where I should like to accom-
pany you is through the over-arching shades of roads in the virgin
forest. The insects of open grounds are all species very common
throughout Tropical America ; in the forests everything is different :
and here we cannot make any comparison intelligible to an English
entomologist. Of moths you see very few, at night none. Some things
allied to Polia and Acronycta we see very rarely on trunks ; the other
Noctuz are almost entirely of the genus Erebus, known by the long,
cylindrical, terminal joint of the palpi: they lurk amidst the murkiest
shades, and settle generally at the foot of tree-trunks, surrounded by
entangled sipés at night. Some species frequent houses, but these are
always different from those of the forests: many I have seen without
being able to secure specimens of as yet: twice I have seen Erebus
Strix, expanding nearly a foot in breadth, applied flat to the trunks of
trees. Sesiade are the most abundant Nocturnes; perhaps I have
taken eighty species. As to Geometride, they appear to be replaced
by the diurnal family Erycinide, which jly out of bushes when beaten,
just as the Acidaliz, Emmelesiz, &c. do in England. There are
plenty of species of Tortricidae, some pretty Pyralide, even Alucitide,
in the woods, which you, with Messrs. Stainton & Co., would make
great things of, no doubt, if you were here, and not prevented from

General Natural-History Society. 4117

attending to them on account of the greater interest of a series of
twelve hundred species of Diurnes, and new species almost every day.

“Tam almost forgetting more important matters. Since the 10th
of March, the Rio Nigro steamer has made its third monthly voyage,
and brought news that another steamer would most certainly be put
on the line from Barra to Nauta, in Peru, four months hence. I liked
to see the show of energy and punctuality this voyage, and therefore
think you may conclude that I shall revisit Ega, and go beyond. I
expect to do wonders, besides, I have so very much more knowledge
of the species: this is my chief reason for writing to you so soon. I
have enough to do here until the steamer comes, besides waiting for
all the entomological cheap books and papers you can send. Only
think ! — since writing on March 10th, I have taken sixty-five new
species of Coleoptera, chiefly minute, indeed, but very interesting,
such as six species of Echiaster, Evichs. (a genus of Pedinida), a
duplicate of the new Metopias mentioned, besides several specimens
of a third species, quite new. Besides these, six new longicorns, two
new Megacephale (only one of each), one of which is undoubtedly
M. affinis, Dej., both very peculiar species of the metallic group; and
several new genera and species of Brachinide from quite new ground.

“T have now interested an influential head of the Indians ; from
him I have at last a clew to the Lepidosiren. He describes it ex-
actly ; the Indian name is Tambaki-unboyia, which means the Tam-
baki serpent—Tambaki being a very common eatable fish, feeding on
fruits in the submerged ygapés which the Lepidosiren frequents, and

has scales very similar in appearance to those of the Lepidosiren.
“H. W. Bates.”

General Natural-History Society. — It has struck me that by a little arrangement
between local Natural-History Societies, the science might be much advanced, and fa-
cilities be offered for new Societies to be formed: I appeal therefore to all naturalists
to assist in carrying out my views. For the first step, we must be indebted to your
kindness: it is, to publish in the ‘ Zoologist” a list of all Natural-History Societies,
with the names of the President and Secretary of each: a request from you in the
* Zoologist’ would obtain this. This information being obtained, I would suggest
that the papers read at one Society should be passed on until all the Societies had read
them : this appears to me an excellent way of disseminating knowledge: it would also
bind us more together, and give us an interest in each other. Natural History, or ra-
ther its friends, appear to be awaking from their torpor; and I think, by a slight effort,
we might now place her in the proper rank. I shall be happy to attend to any com-
munication I may receive.— William Thompson ; Weymouth, October 15, 1853.

4118 On preserving the Balance

On preserving the Balance between the Animal and Vegetable
Organisms in Sea Water. By Ropert WaARINGTON, Esq.*

In the published notices of my experiments of 1849, to maintain the
balance between the animal and vegetable organisms in a confined
and limited portion of water, the fact was demonstrated, that, in con-
sequence of the natural decay of the vegetation, its subsequent decom-
position and the mucus-growth to which it gave rise, this balance
could only be sustained for a very short period, but, if another mem-
ber were introduced, which would feed upon the decaying vegetation
and thus prevent the accumulation of these destructive products—a

,function most admirably performed by the various species of water-
snail—such balance was capable of being continuously maintained
without the slightest difficulty ; and I may add, that the experimental
proof of this has now been carried on, in a small tank in the heart of
London, for the last four years and a half, without any change or dis-
turbance of the water; the loss which takes place by evaporation being
made up with rain or distilled water, so as to avoid any great increase
of the mineral ingredients originally present. It follows then, asa
natural deduction, from the successful demonstration of these pre-
mises, that the same balance should be capable of being established,
under analogous circumstances, in sea water. And in a paper pub-
lished in January, 1852+, I stated that I was, at that time, “attempting
the same kind of arrangement with a confined portion of sea water,
employing some of the green sea-weeds for the vegetable member of
the circle, and the common periwinkle as the representative of
the water-snail.”

The sea water with which the experiments I am about to detail
were conducted, was obtained through the medium of one of the
oyster-boats at the Billingsgate fish-market, and was taken from the
middle of the English Channel.

My first object was to ascertain the kind of sea-weed best fitted,
under ordinary circumstances, for keeping the water clear and sweet,
and in a sufficiently oxygenated state to sustain animal life. And
here opinions were at variance, for one naturalist friend whom I con-
sulted, advised me to employ the Rhodosperms ; another stated that

* Read at the Hull Meeting of the British Association. Printed in the ‘ Annals
and Magazine of Natural History’ for November, 1853, and communicated by the
Author for publication in the ‘ Zoologist.’

+ ‘Gardeners’ Botanical Magazine and Garden Companion,’ Jan. 1852.

————

between Animal and Vegetable Organisms. 4119

it was impossible to make the red weeds answer the purpose, as he
had tried them, and strongly recommended the olive or brown-
coloured Alge; while, again, others thought that I should be more

successful with those which had in theory first suggested themselves

to my own mind, namely the Chlorosperms. After making numerous
unsuccessful experiments with both the brown and the red varieties
of Alge, I was fully convinced that, under ordinary circumstances, the
green weeds were the best adapted for the purpose.

This point having been practically ascertained, and some good
pieces of the Enteromorpha and Ulva latissima in a healthy state,
attached to nodules of flint or chalk, having been procured from the
shore near Broadstairs, several living animal subjects were introduced
together with the periwinkle. Everything progressed satisfactorily,
and these all continued in a healthy and lively condition.

My first trials were conducted in one of the small tanks which
had been used for fresh water; but as it was necessary, during the
unsuccessful experiments with the brown and red sea-weeds, to agitate
and aérate the water, which had been rendered foul from the quantity
of mucus or gelatinous matter generated during the decay of their
fronds, until the whole had become oxidized, and the water rendered
clear and fitted for another experiment, it was, therefore, for greater
convenience, removed into a shallow earthen pan and covered with a
large glass shade to protect the surface of the water, as much as pos-
sible, from the dust and soot of the London atmosphere, and at
the same time impede the evaporation. In this vessel then I had
succeeded perfectly in keeping a large number of beautiful living spe-
cimens in a healthy condition up to the close of 1852. I therefore
gave instructions for the making of a small tank as a more permanent
reservoir, and one more adapted for carrying on my observations and
investigations on the ceconomy and habits of the inhabitants.

From the experience I had obtained in my experiments with the
freshwater tank, [ was induced to modify slightly the construction of
this vessel ; thus, at the back, or part towards the light, the framing
was filled with slate in the same way as the ends and bottom; for I
had found that the glass, originally employed, very soon became
covered with a confervoid growth which had an unpleasing appear-
ance to the eye, and in consequence of which I had been obliged to
paint the glass on the exterior to prevent this growth from increasing
to too great an extent. It was also an unnatural mode of illumination,
as all the light should pass through the surface of the water. The
front towards the room and the observer was constructed of plate

4120 On preserving the Balance

glass, the whole being set in a stout framework of zinc, and cemented
with what is known under the name of Scott’s cement, and which I
have found to answer for the purpose most admirably. Within this
tank were arranged several large pieces of rock-work, thrown into an
arched form, and other fragments were cemented in places against the
slate at the back and ends, and at parts along the water-line, so that
the creatures could hide themselves at pleasure; a short beach of
pebbles was also constructed in order that shallow water could be re-
sorted to if desired. The whole tank was covered with a light glass
shade to keep out the dust and retard evaporation.

With the sea water obtained in January, 1852, I have been working
without cessation up to the present time, agitating and aérating when
it became foul during the unsuccessful experiments on the sea-weeds,
but since then it has been rarely ever disturbed ; the loss which takes
place from evaporation being made up, as before stated, with rain or
distilled water.

For a considerable period, after commencing these experiments,
I was much troubled to obtain living subjects in a healthy condition,
but having alluded to this, and the success of my investigations,
in a short notice appended to a paper published in the ‘ Annals’ for
October, 1852 (see also Zool. 3633), my friend, Mr. P. H. Gosse,
who was then sojourning at Ilfracombe for his health, offered in the
kindest manner possible to supply me with materials, and from that
period he has always most heartily responded to my wants. It must
not be imagined for a moment that the beautiful creatures I have thus
received have been all preserved alive or always quite healthy. In
experimental investigations this would be unreasonable to expect, as
the very fact of experimenting implies a disturbance of the then state
of things. Besides which, from want of a sufficient knowledge of
Natural History, from want of forethought and experience and other |
causes, | have lost many very fine specimens; and as the detail
of these losses may prevent the occurrence of the like annoyances to
others, I shall venture to occupy your time for a short period with
their history.

My greatest loss arose from too great an anxiety to transfer the col-
lection I had preserved in a healthy condition to the end of December,
1852, into the new tank. As soon as it arrived from the maker’s I lost
no time in introducing my numerous family to their new abode, and
dearly I paid for my precipitancy, for on the next morning I found
many of my most beautiful specimens dead; thus I lost two fine
Holothurias (/7. Pentactes), a small freckled goby (Gobiuws minutus),

between Animal and Vegetable Organisms. 4121

a beautiful little pipe-fish (Syngnathus lumbriciformis), and several
others, and on opening the door of the case the cause of this mor-
tality was at once evident,—an iridescent film of oily matter was float-
Ing on the surface of the water, arising from the paint with which the
angular joints and edges of the small tank had been coloured not
having become sufficiently hardened.

Another source of loss arises from the several creatures attacking
and devouring each other, and it therefore becomes a point of great
importance—and highly necessary to be carefully observed, where
their preservation is an object—to ascertain what varieties may
be safely associated in the same tank; as, for instance, I have found
that the shrimps and prawns attack, and very soon devour, all
the larger varieties of corallines and Polyps, Sabelle, Serpule, rock-
borers, Cirrhipeds, some of the Annelids, many bivalve and univalve
mollusks that are unprotected by an operculum, or have no power of
closing their valves. The instances which have come under my own
immediate observation have been the destruction of the Pholas dacty-
lus, Saxicava rugosa, Cyprea Europea, and several specimens of
Sabellz, Serpule, Coryne sessilis, and many others.

The common crab (Cancer Menas) is likewise a most destructive
agent; and the tribe of rock-fish, the blennies, gobies, &c. are also
most voracious, devouring all the varieties of Cirrhipeds, corallines,
Polyps, Annelids, &c.; they will also attack the shrimps and prawns,
and even seize upon the horns of the periwinkle, which they bite off.
Ifthe mollusks do not keep a very firm hold of the rock or tank sides,
they are rapidly turned over by these fish on their backs and
lie helplessly exposed to their attacks.* It is doubtless their seeking
food of this kind which causes these little fish to be so generally found
in the shallow rock-pools of the coast. In consequence of these ra-
venous propensities, I have been obliged to establish several small
tanks and imitation rock-pools, so as to separate these various depre-
dators from each other: thus in one I have varieties of Actinia,

* Since the reading of this paper at Hull I have received a blenny of larger size,
being about 34 inches in length, and although it has become so tame that it will allow
itself to be touched by the hand and takes its food from the fingers, yet its destructive
propensities are so great, that it very soon killed four small crabs; and to save three
others, of rather a larger size, I have been obliged to remove the blenny to a rock-
pool in association with his own species and a few Actinia. The only refuge the poor
crabs had was to bury themselves in the sand, and whenever they attempted to move
out of their refuge they were immediately pounced upon and only escaped by burrow-
ing rapidly again.

XI. 3F

4122 Balance between Animal and Vegetable Life.

shrimps, Nudibranchs, Holothurias, and some Annelids; in a second
the rock-fish, as the blennies, gobies, Cottus, with crabs and Actiniz;
in a third corallines, Annelids, Polyps, rock-borers, Sabelle, Serpule,
Holothurias, and Actinie.

Another curious instance of loss I may detail which has quite
recently occurred, and which may prove interesting ; it was in a small
rock-pool containing blennies, gobies, crabs, &c. I had procured
two live oysters for the purpose of feeding my numerous small fry in
these vivaria, and one of these having proved ample for the purpose
of one meal, the other was placed on the sandy bottom; on the
second day after this the oyster was observed to have opened
the valves of his shell to a great extent, which were afterwards seen
closed, but a small Gobius niger, inhabiting the pool, could nowhere
be seen. The day after this the oyster was opened for the general
feeding, when, lo! within the shell was found the unfortunate Gobius,
quite dead. Whether this little gentleman had been attracted within
the trap by curiosity or the ciliary motion of the oyster, it 1s impos-
sible with certainty to say; but that he must have seized on some
sensitive part of the oyster is more than probable, so as to have
caused such a rapid closing of the valves of the shell as could entrap
so active a burglar.

Another important point is the gravity of the sea water; this should
be very carefully regulated, for it must be borne in mind that many of
the marine creatures are supplied by a permeation of water through
their tissues or over their delicate and beautiful organs. The specific
gravity should not rise above 1026 at 60° Fahr., and a small hydro-
meter should be at short periods introduced to ascertain that this
point is not exceeded, particularly during the hot months of summer.
The reduction to this gravity can be readily effected by the addition
of rain or distilled water. Many of the creatures will of themselves
afford indications of this increase of density; some of the Actiniz will
remain closed and become coated with a white slimy covering within
which they remain for a length of time, and if the specific gravity of
the water be lowered this is very soon ruptured by their expansion,
thrown off, and the tentacula become soon extended.

All putrescent matter or excess of food or rejecta of the Actiniz
should be carefully removed from the water, as the noxious gaseous
compounds generated by the decay of such matters appear to diffuse
themselves rapidly through the water, act as a virulent poison, and
speedily destroy the vitality of the occupants. Thus many beautiful
subjects were lost in a few hours from the introduction, into a small

Birds. 4123

glass jar, of a large Pecten shell, encrusted with corallines, which had
become loaded with putrescent matter by partial submersion in a foul
muddy bottom.

Great care should also be taken in moving the Actinie that the foot
or sucking disk with which it attaches itself to the rocks, stones,
or weed, be not injured, as, when this occurs, they rarely survive, but
roll about without attaching themselves, and gradually waste away
and die.

With these exceptions then, everything has gone on very satisfac-
torily, care being always taken not to overload the water with too
large a proportion of animal life for the vegetation to balance,
as, whenever this has been inadvertently attempted, the water has
soon become foul, and the whole contents of the tank, both animal and
vegetable, have rapidly suffered, and it has required some time before
the water could be restored to its former healthy condition.

In one of the numbers of the ‘ Zoologist’ of last year, I stated that
besides the Ulva, Enteromorphe and Cladophore, I had found the
Zostera marina a very useful plant for oxygenating the sea water; but
this observation has reference only to the case of a tank supplied with
a ground where its roots will find a sufficiency of food for its growth,
as in a clear shingle or sand it soon decays; and it should be asso-
ciated with such animals as delight in a ground of this nature, as many
of the Annelids, crabs, burrowing shrimps, &c. There are several in-
teresting observations which have been made from time to time
connected with this subject, which I hope to lay before the Natural-
History world as soon as I can find leisure time for the purpose.

RoBERT WARINGTON.

Apothecaries’ Hall, Sept. 10th, 1853.

Note on the Grasshopper Warbler. — In corroboration of Mr. Stevenson’s note on
the grasshopper warbler (Zool. 4072), I may mention that two nests with eggs were
found here this summer, in swampy hollows in a small glen. Two or three years ago
a nest with four eggs was taken in an orchard ou the banks of the Wear, in the city
of Durham ; and a birds’-nesting boy showed me in his collection last year, nearly a
dozen of these beautiful little eggs, which he had taken himself, but of which he did
not know the name.—H. B. Tristram ; Castle Eden, Durham, November 1, 1853.

Occurrence of the Roller (Coracias garrula) near the Land’s End. — The roller has
again made its appearance on our western shores; and the specimen now under notice
was captured a few days since in the parish of St. Just, in Penaith, a few miles north
of the Land’s End. On dissection it proves to be a female, with the ovarium fully de-
veloped; and from the hard and compact state of the bones, it appears to be beyond a

4124 Fishes.

bird of the year. The plumage is generally obscure, and presents the characters of a
bird of the year ; the brilliant hues of blue are confined to the quill-feathers and tail,
and the rich brown on the dorsal feathers is only partially developed. This specimen,
now in the possession of Mr. Vingoe, corresponds exactly with the example brought
to me some years since, and reported at the time in the ‘ Zoologist. — Edward Hearle
Rodd ; Penzance, October 17, 1853.

Note on the Hooded Crow, (Corvus Cornix).— As a friend of mine was walking on
the sands near Cromer on the 24th ult., he observed a solitary hooded crow flying over
from the sea, evidently fatigued with a long passage. He fired at it, and saw it im-
mediately drop a small bird from its beak, which proved to bea chaffinch, with the
skull fractured. Would not this seem to show that the crow had fallen in with a flock
of chaffinches on the passage, and had secured one of his fellow-travellers for a meal
on its arrival?—Robert Birkbeck ; Keswick, November 4, 1853.

Note on the Woodcock, (Scolopax rusticola).— This favourite little “ possessor of
the long bill” has, in my opinion, made its appearance in this neighbourhood remark-
ably early, considering the season. A fine specimen was shot upon Blagdon, by Mr.
Henville, on Friday the 14th instant: the “old people” say this portends a severe
winter. Several others have been shot since. The appearances generally have not
been observed here before the 24th instant; but I remember, several years ago, hear-
ing of the occurrence of one so early as the 3rd of October.— John Garland ; Dor-
chester, October 31, 1853.

Note ona White Variety of the Common Tern. — A tern, apparently a bird of this
year, and an accidental variety of the common species, was shot at Lowestoft on the
12th of August, which was remarkable for having the entire plumage of a pure snow-
white, except some minute horizontal ash-coloured lines between the nostrils and the
eyes, a very slight smoke-coloured tint covering the whole remainder of the head from
the eyes backwards, and a little tinge of gray on the quill-feathers of the wings. The
colouring of the irides, of the beak, and the feet resembled that of ordinary immature
specimens of the common tern.—J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk, October 21, 1853.

Note on the occurrence of the Pectoral Sandpiper and Nutcracker near Yarmouth.
—The above two rare birds have been recently obtained in the neighbourhood of Yar-
mouth, the first on the 30th of September, and the second about the 10th of October.
I had the opportunity of examining the sandpiper in the flesh; it was a female, and
apparently a bird of the year: it was not fat, but in very fair condition. The sto-
mach contained sume small seeds, and the remains of a few insects, but too mutilated
to be recognizable with clearness.—Jd.

Pike and Tench. — Mx. Slaney (Zool. 4020), alluding to the commonly received
opinion that the tench, being the physician of fish, is respected as such, and therefore
is not preyed upon by other species, relates, as something extraordinary, an instance
of a pike having seized a tench crossways, which was too large to be swallowed, and
swam about with it for a considerable time, carrying it between his jaws. ‘This in-
stance goes far to prove that the beautiful theory about the pike not feeding upon tench
isa “vulgar error,” as it most surely is; for I have, before now, myself seen a fine
tench taken out of the stomach of a pike. Mr. Slaney, however, states that the in-
stance he records is “ the only one he ever met with in which the tench was attacked

Se

Fishes, 4125

by any other fish,” &c., and that “ all other kinds of fish, rats, young ducks, &c., have
fallen a sacrifice to the all-devouring pike, but not the tench.” I heartily wish the lat-
ter part of this statement were true, and borne out by fact. Now I will relate what
lately occurred to myself. In the autumn of 1848 I turned into a pit, which I be-
_ lieved to contain no fish of any kind, fifty small tench and forty or more crucian carp ;
seven tench and twenty-four crucians were also turned in at a subsequent period. One
sunny day last August I was much surprised at seeing three or four very small pike
basking in the shallow near the side of the pit; they were not so long as my finger,
and must have been bred the foregoing spring, This convinced me that, no doubt,
there were some larger pike in the water, the parents of these small fry ; and I began
to think it would fare but badly with my store tench and crucians. So I resolved to
drag the pit, and accordingly did so on the 13th of October. We caught three pike,
weighing respectively, I should guess, 3tbs., 2fbs., and 14 [b., or thereabouts. They
were not in good condition, and, from their length and frame, ought to have been con-
siderably heavier. But what had become of the tench and the crucians? All that
remained out of the fifty-seven tench and the sixty-four or more crucians, were one
tench of 13 tb. weight, and eight crucians of about 1 fb. each. I cannot have the
smallest doubt that the pike had devoured the fish that were missing ; and that these
nine that remained only escaped because they were rather too large for pike of the size
above-mentioned to swallow conveniently. Iam quite aware that a pike of 3 Ibs. will
make no great difficulty of devouring an ordinary fish of a pound weight or more; but
the crucian carp is so deep a fish, being nearly as broad as it is long, that one of less
even than a pound would be a very awkward morsel for any but a large pike to swal-
low. The above is not a solitary instance of its. kind; similar ones, and those even
still more decisive of the point in question, have come under my notice several times.
As to the opinions of keepers, I cannot always place implicit confidence in them. I
remember once trolling for pike in a large pool or lake, which, among other fish,
abounded in bream. The keeper, an intelligent man, insisted on it that pike never
preyed upon bream. I was very sceptical; or, rather, I totally disbelieved the state-
ment: so, to test the matter, I set to work and trolled with a small bream as a bait,
and presently convinced him of his error by catching a pike with it. The fact is, when
the pike is in the humour for his prey, nothing that he sees in motion comes amiss to
him, be it fish, flesh or fowl, or even far less digestible articles, as, for example, ordi-
nary pebble-stones of considerable size, which, in several instances, I have known ta-
ken out of a pike’s stomach, (see Loudon’s Mag. Nat. Hist. iii. 241). It may seema
strange thing to say, nevertheless it is a veritable fact, that pike, and, I may add, trout
and perch too, will absolutely eat a larger fish than it is possible for them to swallow,
— to swallow, that is, all at once ; so that while the head of the prey is digesting in
the stomach, the tail end remains projecting out of the mouth of the devourer ; and it
will sometimes happen that in this way the pike is choked, and falls a sacrifice to his
own voracity. I was a good deal amused at the title I once heard given to the pike
by a miller residing on the Wiltshire Avon, a beautifully clear stream, in some parts
of which the pike have nearly exterminated the trout: — ‘‘ We call it, Sir,” he said
(apologizing for the freedom of his speech), “ we call it the water-devil.” I have heard
of a certain gentleman, a kind of male Mrs. Malaprop (so to say), who, in speaking of
the voracity of the pike, is reported to have said that it was “by far the most avaricious
of all quadrupeds !” Depend upon it — and let all the lovers of the delicious physi-
cian of fish bear it in mind—that the notion that the pike will not feed upon tench, is

4126 Mollusks.

just about as true as to say that we bipeds will not eat beef and pudding. — W. T.
Bree ; Allesley Rectory, October 27, 1853.

Postscript to the preceding Note.—Since the above was written, I have seen by the
November number (Zool. 4100) that Mr. Slaney has experienced fresh instances of the
pike feeding on tench ; and that he is now fully convinced that the commonly received
notion. of the tench’s immunity from the attacks of the pike is “ totally unfounded.”
It appears also from Mr. Slaney’s communication, as well as from repeated instances
which have come under my own observation, that the pike is, as I may say, doubly
destructive of tench as well as of other fish, not only devouring such as are of a size
suitable to the capacity of his jaws and stomach, but also by seizing, mutilating, and
finally destroying others which are too large to be so disposed of. — Id. ; November
4, 1853.

Notes on the Oxfordshire Shells. By ALFRED MERLE Normay, Esq.
(Continued from page 3764).

If has been with much pleasure that I have read the numerous
local lists of land and fresh-water shells that have appeared in the
pages of the ‘ Zoologist,’ since the publication of my notes on the
species found near Oxford, (Zool. 3761). The season which is now
so rapidly drawing to a close, has certainly been a very bad one for
collecting most objects of Natural History ; but there are exceptions
to every rule, and “’tis an ill wind which blows no one any good.”
Thus, while entomologists have had to put by their nets in despair, as
_I, for one, have long since done ; and even ornithologists have looked
in vain for those sunny days which often tempt many a stranger to
cross the seas; those who pay attention to our inland Conchology
have had a harvest. Ducks, and certainly slugs and snails even more
so, delight in a ducking ; and. after showers, the latter may be seen
in great abundance crawling along the hedge-banks, up the smooth
trunks of trees, over palings, &c. For the Limaces, moisture, to pro-
duce a flow of mucus, is absolutely necessary to existence, and they
have been luxuriating in this rainy season in greater numbers than I
have ever noticed before. A dry hot summer is also no friend to the
Helices, which will then retire to some cool spot and close their
mouths with an epiphragm, in order to avoid the heat, just in the same
way as they do to avoid the cold in winter. Heat and drought are
even more injurious to the inhabitants of small ponds and ditches ;
since when these dry up, the Mollusca perish in thousands.

Mollusks. 4127

Having for the last few months been staying in South Oxfordshire,
I purpose giving a few remarks on the species found there, in order
that I may render my Oxfordshire list of shells more complete.

The neighbourhood of Watlington, which is about sixteen miles
to the South-east of Oxford, has but little water, and therefore I did
not search much for the water-shells, and those few I found were con-
tained in my previous catalogue. In land-shells, however, the loca-
lity would not be easily surpassed, since the magnificent beech-woods
which crown the Chiltern Hills form a splendid preserve for shells.

The beech would seem to be an especial favourite with Mollusca,
more so than any other tree ; the smooth bark is what they delight
in, and after showers the stems may be seen literally covered with
many species, as the following notes will testify. The rotting leaves
also afford food and shelter to many species.

.With the exception of Helix Pomatia and H. granulata, the land-
shells mentioned in the former list (Zool. 8761) are found also round
Watlington ; as well as the following twenty-three additional species,
and two good varieties,— Helix aspersa var. alba, and H. ericetorum
var. obliterata.

Arion flavus, Forbes and Hanley. This new species (?) is found,
though but rarely, under and on moss &c. in the beech-woods.

» hortensis. Rare, in the woods.

Limax maximus. The variety of this species which has the shield
spotted with black, and the back marked with longitudinal black lines,
is not uncommon on the hedge-banks of the Henley road, from half a
mile to a mile from Watlington ; I have also found it at Pyrton.

» arborum, Forbes § Hanley. Very abundant in the beech-
woods. It delights in crawling up and down the moist stems of the
beeches to a considerable height. The remark made by Miiller in his
‘Historia Vermium’ seems very applicable: he says it is “in fago
vulgaris, vere et Novembro.” It is very distinct from L. maximus,
the sculpturing on the back in particular being totally different.

Vitrina pellucida. Very rare: asingle specimen in Sherborne Wood.

Helix aspersa, var alba. I took some half-dozen specimens of this
pretty variety on a hedge-bank at the foot of Watlington Hill; other
specimens found in company with them were remarkably pale, though
marked in the usual way.

» hybrida. <A few specimens among brambles, near Watling-
ton Church.

», lapicida. Not uncommon in the woods.

» fulva. Moist ground among moss, Pyrton.

4] 28 Mollusks.

Helix depilata. Rare, under stones lying on grass, Pyrton Common.

» ericetorum, var. obliterata, Hartmann. Common along the

Ickleton Way from Watlington to Ewelme, and is also to be found on
Pyrton Common.

Zonites rotundatus. Common under timber lying on the ground,
stones, &c., in the woods and elsewhere.

» cellarius. Not common; among the under rotting leaves
of Iris foetidissima, Pyrton.

» alliarius. Frequent among decaying beech-leaves in Sher-
borne Wood.

5, purus. Not common; in similar situations to the last, in
the Cuckoo-pen, Sherborne Down.

» hitidulus. Very rare; two specimens at roots of grass on
the Henley road.

» crystallinus. Among rotting beech-leaves in the woods, and
at roots of grass, Pyrton.

Bulimus Lackamensis. This species is to be found on the trunks
of beeches in all the woods round the neighbourhood, in great num-
bers, after rain, and climbs up them frequently to the height of from
30 to 40 feet. I once took no less than three dozen from the trunk
of a single tree.

a3 obscurus. Common, though not so abundant as the last,
with which it is found incompany. The shells of the young of these
two species are generally much encrusted with earth &c.

Achatina Acicula. Not common; at roots of junipers, on Swin-
combe Down.

Pupa Juniperi. Common on the trunks of beeches, in Sherborne
Wood, especially at the outskirts of the western side.

Vertigo pygmeza. Frequent at roots of grass and junipers, on
Swincombe Down.

Clausilia bidens. Abundant on the beech-trees. I only saw one
specimen of the white variety, whereas in other parts of the country I
have sometimes found the white in almost equal numbers to the brown.

Carychium minimum. To be found among the rotting beech-leaves
in all the woods, and also at the roots of grass by wood-sides, &c.

Cyclostoma elegans. Not uncommon among leaves in the beech-
woods.

I have thus met with seventy-six species, besides numerous varie-
ties, in Oxfordshire ; and to this list may be added eleven others,
which I have not myself found, but which are enumerated in a cata-
logue of sixty-six shells, which the late Mr. Hugh Edwin Strickland,

Insects. A129

whose melancholy death all who take an interest in Natural History
have so recently had to deplore, published in Loudon’s ‘ Magazine
of Natural History’ (viii. 494), as found by himself in the vicinity of
Henley-on-Thames.

In conclusion, I would add that I shall be happy to assist, as far as
lies in my power, any gentleman who may wish to exchange our
marine for inland shells. I also have a few desiderata among the lat-
ter; and should feel extremely obliged to any one who could favour
me with specimens of Pisidium cinereum, Vertigo angustior, Clausilia
Rolphii, or Amphipepla involuta.

ALFRED MERLE NoRMAN.

Clevedon, Somerset, October 10, 1853.

Note on the supposed late Appearance of Insects.—In the report of the Proceedings
of the Society of British Entomologists for July last (Zool. 4007), Mr. Harding, the
President, observed, in proof of the backwardness of the season, as shown by the late
appearance of many kinds of insects, that “ he took some fine specimens of Semiophora
gothica at the end of May ;” and as he evidently considered this a late period for the
occurrence of this species, it may not be uninteresting to entomologists to know that I
myself took at sugar, in Berewood, Dorsetshire, on the evening of Tuesday, the 19th
of June last, six specimens of this same insect, in as beautiful condition as if they had
just escaped from the chrysalis. Now, although many kinds of insects are accelerated
or retarded in their appearance by the fineness or warmth of the season, or the con-
trary, yet this is by no means universally the case; although, no doubt, if we were tho-
roughly acquainted with the economy of all insects, we should readily perceive why
this variation of seasons should influence some without affecting others. For instance,
Heliothis Dipsacea, which occurs in some profusion on different parts of our heaths in
Dorsetshire, appeared at precisely the same time as I had observed it in former sea-
sons, and in about the same numbers as usual. I may here mention that I have al-
ways found this insect remarkably constant to about one time of appearance, never
having seen it before the 12th of July, or after the end of the first week in August,
although I have looked for it constantly, both before the former time, and after the
latter. Pamphila Actzon also I found true to its time this season, even to a day, and
in about the usual profusion, although, as the weather was very unfavourable during
my two days’ visit to its locality, I did not procure anything like the number of speci-
mens that might have been obtained in fine bright weather, though what I did get
(nine dozen) were in much finer condition than they would have been if the sun had
shone continuously, and enabled them to exert their active and pugnacious propensi-
ties to the detriment of their plumage. Anarta Myrtilli, and several other heath spe-
cies, such as Ericetaria, caliginosa, &c., all kept to their usual times of appearance ;
while Plusia Gamma, generally so common on the heath-blossoms, was not only much
later than usual, but when it did appear, was about the rarest insect on the heath at
that time (the end of July). Hipparchia Semele and Polyommatus Mgon appeared
at about the same time as usual, and in their ordinary numbers. Triphena pronuba

KI. 3G

4130 Insects.

and Polia nebulosa, generally numerous, and sometimes quite a nuisance at sugar, by
the end of June, had not made their appearance by the 19th of July. As far as my
own observations have extended, the more local the species the more constant seem to
be their times of appearance ; but it requires much more experience than I have had,
both in looking for and awaiting species at their ordinary seasons, and in examining
the peculiarities of their transformations, to be able to lay down with any degree of
accuracy even the most general rules on this}most interesting part of Entomology. In
connexion with this subject, the present season has remarkably proved the truth of the
old saying, that good plum seasons and plenty of wasps are generally concurrent, and
vice versa; for in some parts of Dorsetshire where the plums, in common with other
like fruits, have almost failed, owing to late frosts and blight, there are scarcely any
wasps at all, while in this neighbourhood, where every tree has been loaded with plums,
the wasps are so numerous as to be a perfect nuisance, if the windows are left open
at meal-times. — Octavius Pickard-Cambridge ; Hatch Beauchamp, Taunton, Septem-
ber 23, 1853.

Lepidoptera taken near Tenterden. —Not having seen in the ‘ Zoologist’ any list of
Lepidoptera taken in the neighbourhood of Tenterden, the following may be accept-
able. Where the contrary is not stated, all have been captured by myself, principally
in one locality, — Knock Wood. I have included in the list none but the more un-.
common species.

Thecla Betula, one, on oak, August ; another seen but not taken.

Melitea Athalia, heathy spots, June ; not uncommon but very local.

Apatura Iris, two seen but neither captured.

Cheerocampa Celerio, one specimen, (Zool. 3624).

Deiopeia pulchella, one, wasted, in a cobweb.

Zeuzera Aisculi, larve not uncommon, imago but seldom met with,

Platypteryx lacertula, two, by beating hazels, border of the wood, August.
falcula, two on wing, July,

iy unguicula, one, beaten from oak, wasted, August.
Ptiledontis palpina, not uncommon, attracted by light at night.
Apatela leporina, not uncommon at sugar; I have taken perfect specimens in June,

July, and August.
Acronycta auricoma, not rare at sugar.
Diphthera Orion, two, very perfect, at sugar, June, one wasted, July.
Cymatophora Oo, one, at sugar, July.
Tethea retusa, one, at sugar, near the town.
Cosmia pyralina, one, at sugar, August.
Xantholeuca croceago, one, at sugar, September.
Hadena lutulenta, one, at sugar, near the town.
Aplecta advena, two, at sugar, June.

» occulta, one, at sugar, September.

Calocampa vetusta, one, at sugar, September.
Philopyra pyramidea, one, at sugar, near the church.
Toxocampa pastinum, one, by beating a hedge near the wood, July.
Pyrausta octomaculalis, one seen in a damp part of the wood.
Pyralis glaucinalis, one, beaten from a hedge near the mill-ponds.
Asopia flammealis, common, by beating vaks. |

7

Insects. 4131

Pionea stramentalis, tolerably plentiful about Tenterden, in damp parts of woods,
&c., July and August.

Botys lancealis, one, by beating, July.
Madopa salicalis, one, on wing, June.
Polypogon derivalis, not uncommon, by beating and on wing.
Hypenodes albistrigalis, ditto.
Nola strigulalis, two, beaten from a hedge near the town.
Geometra papilionaria, one, very perfect, at sugar, July.
Eurymene dolobraria, one taken, another seen, at sugar, June.
Envomos lunaria, one, taken on wing.
Aventia flexularia, one, beaten from a maple hedge near the town.
Biston prodromaria, one, taken by a friend.
Eucosmia undularia, two, taken on wing, June.
Ephyra orbicularia, two, by beating.
Eupithecia pulchellaria, one, by beating.
Acidalia inornaria, ditto.
Halias quercana, one, taken by a friend.
Crambus pinetellus, sparingly at sugar, also by beating.
Lithocolletis Roboris, one, beaten from a hedge near the wood.
Pterophorus monodactylus, one, by beating.

—S. C. Tress Beale ; Wadham College, Oxford, October 22, 1853.

Micro-Lepidoptera of the New Forest, Hampshire.
By Tuomas Boyp, Esq.

A visit of a few weeks during the past summer to Lyndhurst and
the neighbourhood, has gratified, though far from satisfied a desire to
work the Micro-Lepidoptera of the New Forest, which was raised in
my mind by Mr. Douglas’s paper in the ‘ Zoologist, on the New Fo-
rest as an entomological locality: and I think the accompanying list
of some of my best captures among the Tineide, will prove that it will
amply repay any Micro-Lepidopterist who will work it.

I took Crambus silvellus rather freely, and as I still have some du-
plicates left, shall be happy to supply any one who may be in want
of the species.

Should any one be induced to pay a visit to Lyndhurst at any fu-
ture time, I shall be happy to give him any information in my power
with regard to localities, &c.

Crambus dumetellus. Middle of July.

A; silvellus. Onaswamp, July and August, apparently at-
tached to a very wet kind of moss growing at the edge of the swamp;
easily disturbed during the day, and flying for a short time at sunset.

4132 Insects.

Crambus selasellus. With the preceding, but more distributed,
and flies later.
Kudorea Crategella. August 1.
» concinnella. July 28 and August 30.
“3 delunella. Middle of July, from palings, &c.
wy pallida. Middle of August, rather poor, from a swamp.
Ephestia semirufa. July 8.
Acrobasis consociella and tumidella. End of July and beginning
of August, by treacling, &c.
Myelois epelydella.
Tinea Carpinetella. August 1.
» Knockiella. July 23.
» semifulvella. Middle of July.
Plutella sylvella. Beginning of September.
» Alpella. Beginning of August, cocoons taken off oaks.
» nemorella. July.
» scabrella, end of August, beaten from various trees ; near
wild apple-trees.
Gelechia Walkeriella. July, on a small heath.
" atrella. July, flying at dusk over heath.
sh nigrovittella. August 31.
és Gerronella.
Argyresthia semitestacella. End of August, among beeches.
“ glaucinella. Middle of July, on a paling.
> Andereggiella. End of August, rather poor, from wild
apple-trees.
Coleophora discordella. August 2, on a heath.
Gracilaria Tringipennella. End of August.
uf auroguttella. Beginning of August.
ni Phasianipennella. Three specimens, August 31, Sep-
tember 3 and 6. |
4 elongella. From alder, larve in September, imago in
October. |
Coriscium sulphurellum. End of August.
Elachista Rhamniella. Middle of August.
pulchella. July and August.
iu Rhynchosporella. July, on a heath, apparently attached
to a species of cotton-grass ; flies for a very short time at sunset, but
is difficult to obtain by sweeping, as it falls down as soon as the grass
is touched.
4 biatomella. July 8.

99

Insects. 4133

Lithocolletis lautella. Bred from oak-leaves, mines the under side.
ue Coryli. Mining the upper side of hazel-leaves.

* Nicellii. Mining the under side of hazel-leaves.

* Ulmifoliella.

Ms viminiella. Beaten out of a sallow-hedge, end of
August.

5 Stettinensis. Mining the upper side of alder-leaves,
the larve coming out on the under side.

‘ trifasciella. Larvz end of August.

And several Nepticule, which are uncommon only because they
have never been looked after, and the names of which are not accu-
rately decided.

Tuomas Boyp.

17, Clapton Square, November, 1853.

Note on Cerura Vinula,—I have now a specimen of this moth, in the pupa state,
which changed in August, 1852, so that this is the second winter of its pupation. It
exhibits signs of life when handled. Though I have bred many of these moths, I have
never before observed one remain two years in the chrysalis; probably this one will be
developed next spring. — John R. S. Clifford ; 21, Queen’s Row, Pimlico, November
1, 1853.

Note on Hemerophila abruptaria. — This moth, in most entomological works, is
marked as uncommon. It has been taken, however, in some plenty, both this season
and the last, in the month of May, ina lane near Notting Hill. I have also taken
two in Kensington Gardens, and have received a specimen this season from Shropshire,
and another locality which I do not remember.—ZJd.

Mode of killing Neuroptera.— I have until lately experienced great difficulty in
killing these, and especially the larger Libellulide. An easy and efficacious method
recommended to me, is to drop a small quantity of camphorated spirit on the thorax,
while the insect is confined in the net: this, if dropped just behind the head, at its
junction with the thorax, produces death in a few seconds. An advantage of this
method is, that both the camphor and the spirit are volatile, and will soon evaporate,
leaving the specimen uninjured.—Zd.

On the Scarcity of Hymenopterous Insects in certain Localities, particularly the
Bombi, in 1853.—I have seldom witnessed so great a scarcity of the Bombi, since the
years 1816 and 1839, as inthe summer of 1853. In the spring I observed very few
‘queens of the different species, which I attributed to the excessive rains and floods in
November, December, and January last. After a very late spring, I observed a few
of Bombus lucorum and B. pratorum; many of these seem to have perished in June
and July. In the beginning of September I noticed one specimen of the male of B.

lucorum (the most common), but have not seen one of B. pratorum: they seem to be
nearly annihilated for the present. That most common species, B. subterraneus, has
_ also become nearly extinct here, and of B. hortorum I have not seen one. The few
hests of these species that I have found, have been on the edge of the steep banks of

4134 Insects.

the canal ; and it is wonderful to see the instinct displayed by all the queen Bombi in
choosing a place where the wet is drained off from their domicile. Wasps were also
very scarce in the spring, no doubt from the same cause. Hive-bees also have suf-
fered severely from the wetness of the past season, and, according to present appear-
ances, they seem likely to be diminished one half in number throughout the country,
few stocks having collected enough honey to keep them until next spring. In the
summer of 1852, this neighbourhood had abundance of the different Bombi, particu-
cularly of B. lucorum and B. lapidarius. I watched about half-a-dozen of their nests,
and am confirmed in my opinion that the males leave the nest but once, never to
return, although the period of leaving depends a good deal on the progress of heat and
cold in the season. In 1851, the males of three or four species appeared at the mid-
dle and end of June, or at latest about the 15th of July: in this last summer, they
made their appearance full a month and even six weeks later, some not until the first
week in September. Bombus Derhamellus is also very scarce, and this may be ac-
counted for from their being so exposed in their habitations of moss, where they fall
an easy prey to every marauder. I have hedgehogs near me, and I suspect that seve-
ral nests both of B. Derhamellus and B. muscorum were plundered last summer by
this animal.— H. W. Newman ; New House, Stroud, October 6, 1853.

Capture of Aphanisticus pusillus in November. — It may be a fact interesting to
many of your entomological readers, that so late in the season as November Ist, I
made rather an abundant capture of Aphanisticus pusillus. I took it by sweeping
long grass with moss at the roots, in a sunny nook formed by the trees in Moor Park,
Farnham, Surrey. It seemed to inhabit just that particular spot, and no other. I
should be glad to exchange specimens with any of your readers who may need this
species. — D. F’. Jarman ; Manor House, Hadley, Barnet, near London, November,
1853.

Catalogue of Coleoptera found in the Neighbourhood of Dublin.
By A. R. Hoean, Esq.

IMPERFECT though a list such as the following must necessarily be,
1 yet trust that it will be of use in assisting to determine the limits of —
distribution which exist among our native beetles.

Much of the information contained in this Catalogue has been com-
municated to me by A. H. Haliday, Esq., and Alfred Furlong, Esq.,
for whose kind assistance I have great pleasure in returning my best
thanks. The names of the genera are those adopted by the late Mr.
Stephens in his ‘ Manual of British Coleoptera.’

Cicindela campestris, Z. Killiney beach. Dromius linearis, Ol, Portmarnock, &c.

Demetrias atricapillus, Z. Killiney and “ fasciatus, /. Killiney and Port-
Portmarnock, marnock.

Dromius quadrimaculatus, Z. Under the J foveolus, Gyl. Portmarnock.
bark of trees, common. * truncatellus, L. Ditto.

Insects.

Dromius meridionalis, Ste. Cherrywood,
Loughlinstown.
we melanocephalus, Dj. Portmar-
nock, &c.

* agilis, F. Not uncommon.
Clivina fossor, Z. Abundant.

Dyschirius thoracicus, Gy/. Portmarnock
and Portrane.

* salinus, Schaum. Portrane.

as globosus, Hbst. Common.
Carabus granulatus, L. Very abundant.

» auratus, Z. This insect was ta-

ken some years since at Lough Bray
by the Rev. E. Tardy and the late T.
Coulter, Esq., but I have not heard

. of any recent instance of its capture.

» glabratus, Pk. Lough Bray.

» hemoralis, Mlr. Common.

Ms eatenulatus, Pz. Local.

» monilis, #. Taken by the late

J. Tardy, Esq.
4 clathratus, £. Enniskerry.
Leistus spinilabris, F. Very local.
Helobia brevicollis, Pk. Everywhere.
Loricera pilicornis, #. Common.
Badister bipustulatus, F. Scarce, though
generally distributed.

Chlenius vestitus, /. Along the Dodder
banks.

Anchomeuus prasinus, F. Abundant.
a oblongus, F. Rare.

ve albipes, F. . Common.
Agonum marginatum, L. Dodder banks.
re parumpunctatum, #. Common,
i, micans, Nic. Dodder banks.
m piceum, Z. Local.
» Bogemanni, Ste. Of this rare

species I have taken a single speci-
men at Baldoyle.

Olisthopus rotundatus, Pk. Sea-coast.

Synuchus vivalis, Z//. Portmarnock, on
the sea-sands.

Sphodrus leucopbthalmus, L.
and Malahide.

Pristonychus terricola, F. Dublin, in cel-
lars.

Calathus cisteloides, Pz.

i flavipes, Dft.

Dublin

Common.
Portmarnock.

4135

Calathus melanocephalus, L. Very abun-
dant.
3 mollis, Mdm. Portmarnock, plen-
tiful.
(Amphigynus, Hal.) piceus, Mm. Freqt.
Argutor erythropus, Mm. Local.
by vernalis, Gyl. Ditto.
Adelosia picea, Ste. Taken by the late
Mr. Tardy.
Pogonus chalceus, Mm. Marshes at Bal-
doyle, Portrane, &c.
Pecilus cupreus, Z. Very common.
» var. versicolor, Sturm. Frequent.
Omaseus nigrita, #. Local.
2 melanarius, J//. Not uncommon
5 orinomum, Ste. Military road.
Steropus madidus, #. Abundant.
Broscus cephalotes, Z. Common along
the sea-coast. .
Platysma niger, Ste. Everywhere.
Abax striola, F. Generally distributed.
Amara similata, Gyl. Common.
» vulgaris, Gyl. Scarce.
» communis, #. Abundant.

» trivialis, Gyl. Local.

» . familiaris, Crz. Portmarnock.
» brunnea, Gyl. Ditto.

» bifrons, Gyl. Ditto.

» tibialis, Pk. Not common.

» nitida, Br. Loeal.

» acuminata, Pk. Not uncommon.
Bradytus apricarius, #. Local.
- fulvus, Deg. Portmarnock.
as consularis, Dj. Ditto.
Cyrtonotus piceus, &. Local.
Harpalus eneus, F. Portmarnock.

5 ruficornis, #’. Common.

pS tardus, Z/l. Portmarnock.

- honestus, Dj. Ditto.

i limbatus, Sturm. Common.
Ophonus puncticollis, Pk. Portmarnock.

Ds pubescens, Pk. Marine marshes

at Baldoyle, &c.
Trechus aquaticus, Ste. Common.
» Tubens, F. Very rare; Clontarf
and Killiney.
+ fulvus, Mm. Not unfrequent.
Cillenum laterale, Zch. Baldoyle, abndt.

4136

Tachys immunis, Ste. In river gravel.
» obtusus, Dj. Local.
Ocys rubens, Ste. Very rare; North Bull
sands and Bray.
», currens, Ste. Dodder banks; very
rare.

Notaphus ustulatus, 2. Banks of the Lif-
fey, at Celbridge.
Lopha assimilis, Gyl. Local.
Peryphus concinnus, Sturm.
the Dodder.

4 saxatilis, Gyl.

Mouth of

Dodder banks.

A maritimus, Ste. Killiney, but
not common.

- Bruxellensis, Wesm. Local.

55 littoralis, Pz. Not unfrequent.

. tibialis, Dj. Dodder banks.

a viridi-eneus, Ste. Plentiful.
decorus, Dj. Dodder banks.

in ees celer, Z. Everywhere.

* bipunctatus, Z. Portmarnock.

» -Ppallidipennis, Ste. Baldoyle.

. erosus, H’r. Dodder banks and

Loughlinstown.
Philocthus eneus, Grm. Local.
Notiophilus aquaticus, Z. Common.
3 semipunctatus, Sturm. Ditto.
i palustris, Dft. Ditto.
Elaphrus riparius, Z. Very local.

Haliplus elevatus, Helw. Canal, Dublin,

and Loughlinstown.

9 fulvus, #. Not uncommon.
aN ruficollis, Deg. Canal, Dublin.
ae lineatocollis, Mm. Ditto.

+ obliquus, #. Ditto, taken by
Miss M. Ball.
Noterus semipunctatus, F’, Same locality.
Hyphydrus ovatus, Z. Portmarnock, &c.
Hygrotus inequalis, #. Not uncommon.
3 pictus, #, Phoenix Park, Zoo-
logical Gardens, but rare.
Hydroporus palustris, L. Somewhat local.
% planus, #. Very abundant.

Insects.

Hydroporus reticulatus, F. Canal, Dublin

ts rivalis, Gy/. Loughlinstown.
> lepidus, Ol. Local.

a depressus, F’. Loughlinstown
es erythrocephalus, L Not un-

common.
5 nigrita, #. Ditto.

# pubescens, Gyl. Ditto.

Laccophilus minutus, L. Local.
$5 hyalinus, Deg. Generally dis-

tributed.

Colymbetes fuscus, Z. Common.

55 nebulosus, Ste. Dundrum.

4 bipustulatus, L. Exceedingly
abundant.

55 chaleonotus, Kug. Local.

5 guttiger, Gyl. A single spe-
cimen at Kingstown.

a angustior, Gyl. Fox-rock &c.

» fuliginosus, #. Common.

“4 ater, #. Local.

Dytiscus marginalis, L. Not common,
though generally distributed through
the county.

Acilius sulcatus, 2. Howth and Portmar-
nock.

Gyrinus natator, Z. Everywhere.

» wneus, Ste. Canal, Dublin.
Orectochilus villosus, M/r. Loughlinstwn.
Heterocerus femoralis, Kies. Baldoyle:

the var. called sabulosus (Hal.) also
occurs here.

Helophorus grandis, Z//. Local.
$y aquaticus, L. Not uncomn.
* granularis, L. Frequent.

‘ griseus, Hbst. Local: a var.
with a black head has been taken at
Clontarf by Miss M. Ball.

Hydrobius fuscipes, Z. Tolerably freqnt.
és globulus, Pk. Scarce.
Laccobius minutus, Z. Dundrum.
Limnebius mollis, Ste. River Dodder.
Ochthebius punctatus, Ste. Portmarnock.
Philhydrus melanocephalus, Z. Local.

(To be continued).

Charlton, Dundrum, near Dublin,
November 3, 1853.

A. R. HoGan.

Radiata. 4137

Notes on Ophiuride obtained from the Moray Firth, off Gamrie,
Banffshire, and Pennan, Aberdeenshire. By the Rev. GEORGE
Harris.

Opuivea texturata. This species is very abundant, and individual
examples, measuring considerably more than an inch across the disk,
occur frequently. In almost every case the disk is prominently con-
vex, and the convexity is preserved in even the dried specimen.
Its form, though generally round, is by no means invariably so, but
often assumes the subpentangular shape; and the triangular plates
are sometimes seen to be separated by so many as three or four trans-
verse scales.

Ophiura albida, is frequent along the coast, more particularly,
I believe, to the west of this locality.

Comatula rosacea. I cannot affirm I have met with this species,
but the Rev. George Gordon, of Birnie, informs me that fragments
have been found, showing its existence, off Lossiemouth.

Ophiocoma Ballii. Ihave obtained but a few specimens of this
very beautiful brittle star. The disk of the largest measures two-
eighths of an inch in diameter, that of the smallest a tenth, and
is pentangular. The only habitat indicated by Mr. Forbes (Brit.
Star-fishes, 1841), is the Irish coast; but in addition to the above,
the Rev. Mr. Gordon, of Birnie, writes me he has found several speci-
mens of it in his neighbourhood.

Ophiocoma brachiata, seems to be very abundant. It is fre-
quently brought up on the lines of our fishermen, though always in a
very mutilated condition. ‘The several specimens in my possession
are not without the same imperfection, which however is owing to a
different cause, the greater number of them having been taken from
the stomach of the common haddock.

Ophiocoma granulata. I have obtained many examples of this
species. It appears to congregate, and occurs in spots of limited ex-
tent. When the lines of the fishermen happen to be stretched across
one of these spots, the overlying portion is occasionally found to be
quite charged with them. Under “specific character” of this
species, Mr. Forbes (Brit. Star-fishes, p. 50) describes the disk as
“round.” In the greater proportion of the specimens in my posses-
sion, the disks are either pentangular or subpentangular. The pre-
vailing colour is dark brown, but many are also light brown, gray, and
some yellow and orange, which last may be the same with that stated

XI, 3H

4138 Radiata.

by Mr. Forbes as being not uncommon in specimens obtained from
the Irish Sea, (p. 52).

Ophiocoma bellis. Under “ specific character” of this species,
Mr. Forbes describes the disk as “ subpentangular,” and the same is
repeated in his text. In three out of eight of the many examples that
have come under my observation, the reverse is the case, the greater
number being round, or as nearly so as may be imagined. I would
also say that the sides are less tumid than one would infer is intended
by his description, and all are more thickly set with plates than
is shown in his figure. In size, the disks vary from three-fourths to
one-tenth of an inch in diameter, and in the case of one the surface
is strongly hirsute. I have “found them under stones at very
low tides,” but have also known them drawn from water of considerable
depth along with Thuiaria thuia. A more intimate and extensive ac-
quaintance with this species induces me to question whether the indi-
vidual described and figured in the ‘ Zoologist’ for 1850, under the
name of Ophiocoma parmularia, be after all a distinct species, and not
rather a variety of the present one? It certainly appears to differ
from the description of Mr. Forbes in all the particulars so minutely
stated by our late lamented and esteemed friend the Rev. James
Smith, of Monquhitter. Yet, apart from the wedge-shaped scales at
the insertion of each ray, the chief distinctions or disparities being
the form, number of plates, and the arrangement or rather number of
spinules, these variations cannot, I consider, be said to be greater
than are frequently found to exist between identical individuals
of other species, particularly where the comparison has been insti-
tuted on examples gathered from localities widely apart; and though
the scales at the origin of the rays certainly present, to the eye as well
as under a lens, a wedge-shaped appearance in their general outline,
which is owing obviously in part to colour, or perhaps more properly
to the want of it, it is possible that, were the specimen broken up and
carefully dissected, it might be found to have little if anything more
peculiar in it, than could be accounted for by the fact of its being
more numerously covered with plates, while at the same time less
thickly set with spinules than is usual. To my mind, by far the most
important feature lies in these wedge-shaped scales, and were this
authoritatively ascertained, I should have no hesitation in regard to a
distinction of species; but more extended opportunities of examining
these genera satisfy me that a wider range of variation falls to
be admitted in the identification of species, than can reasonably
be claimed in the classification of most other forms of animal life.

Entomological Society. 4139

On comparing examples of Ophiocoma rosula, gathered on this coast,
with others from a distance, and particularly with one from Ayrshire,
which I owe to the kindness of Major Martin, of Ardrossan, I find
differences nearly as great as those above referred to. For instance,
one set as compared with another, are fuller and rounder; some are
deeply pentangular and others circular; some are strongly spinous
and others very slightly so; and in some, again, the triangular plates
cover about half the disk, while in others of average size these plates are
so small or obscured, that careful inspection is necessary in order to
become satisfied of their existence. However the matter may prove
eventually, I feel warranted in submitting these observations, and
am ready to afford every facility in my power with a view to
its determination.

Ophiocoma rosula. After the above reference to this species, I
need only observe that here, as elsewhere, it is very abundant, and of
great variety of colour, as brown, red, pink, purple, variegated, &c.
Perhaps the majority of the specimens obtained here last season were
more or less pentangular in the form of the disk, but in this respect
there appears to be little uniformity. Three very small, measuring
only one-sixteenth of an inch across the disk, I was willing to
set down to the account of Ophiocoma minuta; but surrendering my
reserve to the better judgment of a highly valued and accomplished
friend, whose name I have already had occasion oftener than once to
write in the course of these observations, I place them under the
parental care of this our familiar rosy friend.

GEORGE Harris.
Gamrie, Banffshire, November, 1852.

Proceedings of the Entomological Society.

November 7, 1853.—J. O. WEestwoop, Esq., Vice-president, in the chair.

The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the
donors: — The ‘ Zoologist’ for November; by the Editor. The ‘ Literary Gazette’ for
October; by the Editor. The ‘Atheneum’ for October; by the Editor. The ‘Jour-
nal of the Society of Arts’ for October; by the Society. ‘ Revue et Magasin de Zoo-
logie,’ Nos. 7 and 8, 1853; by the Editor, M. Guérin-Méneville. A lithographic
portrait of the late Dr. W. A. Bromfield, framed and glazed; by his sister, Miss
Bromfield. Lists of the British Tineide, for marking the desiderata to the Society’s
Collection; by E. C. Buxton, Esq. A box of South American Lepidoptera, in the
finest condition, and containing several new species; by Thomas Jones Stevens, Esq.,
of Bogota, Corr. M.E.S. A box of British Lepidoptera, including a hermaphrodite

4140 Entomological Society.

Smerinthus Populi; by the Rev. Joseph Greene. Six specimens of Plutella Dalella ;
by the Rev. J. Johnson.

Monsieur Henri Jekel, of Paris, was balloted for and elected an Ordinary Foreign
Member of the Society.

Mx. Curtis exhibited a box of rare Coleoptera from Mozambique, received from
Signor Bertoloni, of Bologna, including a specimen of Goliathus Derbyanus.

Mr. Edwin Shepherd exhibited a new British moth, Noctua Sobrina, H.-Schef.,
and an apparently new species of Peronea; both taken this season in Perthshire by
Mr. Weaver.

Mr. S. Stevens exhibited another specimen of Noctua Sobrina, and a remarkable
variety of Trichius fasciatus, in which the dark markings of the elytra were run toge-
ther into a blotch; both taken by Mr. Weaver, in Scotland. He also exhibited a box
of Diurnal Lepidoptera, in the finest condition, captured in Nicaragua, and forwarded
in paper envelopes, the wings being closed over the body. In this state they were
packed into a small space, and travelled free from injury, requiring only to be relaxed
and set.

Mr. Shield sent for exhibition a specimen of Depressaria subpropinquella, bred
from a larva found feeding on a thistle; and a new Nepticula, of which the larva
makes a peculiar centrifugal mine in the leaves of Rumex Acetosa, and hitherto found
only near Dublin. Mr. Stainton intends to describe the species under the name
of N. Acetosz.

Mr. F. Smith exhibited living specimens of a South American ant, Odontomachus
unispinosus, imported with some Orchidaceous plants, and given to him by Mr.
Stevens. ;

Mr. Douglas exhibited leaves of Glechoma hederacea, bearing tubular galls on the
upper side, formed and tenanted by larve of Cecidomyia bursaria, Bremi. These
insects he had been able to identify by means of the Monograph on Cecidomyia, just
published by Herr Winnertz, in the Sth volume of the ‘ Linnea Entomologica.’ Mr.
D. also exhibited a living larva of a Taleporia? froma fence near Croydon; and
leaves of sallow in which were the mines of Lepidopterous larve (Nepticula) and of
Dipterous larve (Phytomyza), almost identical in appearance.

Mr. Boyd exhibited Triphena subsequa, Limacodes asellus, Macaria notata, Pro-
delia literalis, and varieties of Satyrus Janira and Argynnis Paphia, all captured in
the New Forest.

Mr. Curtis exhibited parasitic insects taken from Malachius eneus, Epipone spi-
nipes, Andrena Gwynana, Athalia lineolata, Bombus pratorum, and an Ammophila
from Africa.

Mr. John Clifford, of Pimlico, sent a sample of pearl barley, destroyed by insects,
which were now identified as Anobium paniceum and Ptinus ovatus. The Chairman
remarked that the former of these insects had several times been reported to the Soci-
ety as injurious to farinaceous substances.

Mr. T. Desvignes exhibited specimens of a new Ichneumon, reared from larve of
Nonagria Typhe and N, paludicola; and read a description of the species under the
name of I. paludator.

Mr. Baly communicated “ The Characters of Paralina, a new Genus of Chrysome-
lide,” of which the type is Chrysomela Indica, Hope.

Mr.. Westwood exhibited his original sketch of a moth taken at Ballymena, in
Ireland, by Mr. Templeton, and mentioned in Westwood and Humphrevs’ ‘ British

Society of British Entomologists. A141

Moths,’ (vol. ii. p. 67). Mr. Stephens had inserted the species in the Museum Cata-
logue under the name of Dasydia torvaria; but Mr. Westwood was now of opinion,
from reference to Duponchel’s figure and description, that it was Cleogene Peletieraria.
_ Mr. Westwood also exhibited some larve in a bottle, which, from the locality of their
capture on the coast, near Dublin, he thought might be those of Diglossa mersa.

Mr. Smith exhibited the same Anthophorabia he brought to the last meeting, still
alive; also larve of Anthophora retusa, covered with larve of Anthophorabia and
Monodontomerus, both apparently parasitical thereon: and he read a series of obser-
vations on the structute and ceconomy of Anthophorabia. The chairman referred to
the unprecedented circumstance of an insect without reticulated eyes possessing ocelli,
as Mr. Smith was positive is the case in this instance; and Mr. Newman noticed, as
most rare among insects, the fact reported of the male pairing consecutively with seve-
ral females, and still surviving. Mr. Waterhouse, Mr. Curtis, and Mr. Hudson also
made some remarks on the subject.

Mr. Wallace read the commencement of a paper “ On the habits of the Butterflies
of the Amazonian Valley,” which will be resumed at the next mecting.—J. W. D.

Proceedings of the Society of British Entomologists.

October 4, 1853.—Mr. HArpina, President, in the chair.

The President exhibited the following insects: — Exeretia Allisella, taken on the
sand-hills near Sandwich, Kent, being a new locality, Mr. Allis having captured this
insect in Cumberland; Sphaleroptera ictericana, with the pupa and case, the larva
having fed on the flowers of the mouse-eat hawkweed, (Hieractwm Pilosella) ; Scia-
phila Perterana, with pupa and case, the larva having fed on the flowers of the great
white ox-eye (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) ; Depressaria Alstroemeriana, with the
pupa and case, the larva having fed on the flowers of the common hemlock (Contum
maculatum).

The President said a specimen of Sphinx Convolvuli was taken near his residence
in Shoreditch ; and that another was brought to him at Darenth Wood, having been
picked up in the road: he also stated that he had taken a splendid pair of Notodonta
dictzoides near Dartford, and Hadena lutulenta at Darenth Wood.

November 1, 1853.—Mr. Harpine, President, in the chair.

The President read an extract from a letter received from Mr. Oxley, in Australia,
in which the writer says, —“‘ My man Jemmy had a large blue-bottle blow in his ear,
and was neatly distracted for days, until I discovered the cause, and extracted seven
large larve.”

The President exhibited a beautiful variety of Ephyra Porata, and a singular va-
riety of Argynnis Euphrosyne, taken in Hainault Forest ; likewise a variety of Calli-
morpha dominula, the black marks on the inferior wings being obliterated and replaced
by yellow ones. He also stated that he had taken some fine specimens of Aporophila
australis, Leucania crassicornis, Calocampa vetusta, with several Peronex, and a Ge-
lechia not named, near Deal, in October. The President also stated that a friend of

4142 Notices of New Books.

his had bred several specimens of Spilosoma papyratia, Ste., during the month of
October.

Mr. Dalman exhibited some rare beetles, among which were Helops pallidus and
Micronyx tibiale, taken on the Kentish coast by Mr. Harding.

Mr. Miller read the following paper on the habits of Elachista Cerussella : —

“The larve of this insect I found about the middle of the months of June and
August, feeding on the inner substance of the leaves of a coarse kind of grass or sedge,
the name of which is unknown to me, on which they spin a slight cocoon, and change
to the pupe. These pupe appear alike in all respects, except in point of size and co-
lour. T have not had an opportunity of observing, but suppose the light-coloured
moth to be produced from the larger, and the dark-coloured one from the smaller pu-
pe. Thereis no perceptible difference in the larve, nor, except in size and colour, in
the pupe ; therefore, taking this into consideration, together with the very great re-
semblance presented by the perfect insect under the microscope, I think I am justified
in considering them one and the same species. I took both larve and pupz at the
same time, and bred them two days afterwards. The dark one, or male, is not gene-
rally known, and is only to be obtained by breeding the females. Mr. Harding informs
me it is common in the fens.”

The specimens exhibited were bred. The Ichneumon infesting the larve was also
exhibited.

The President announced the following donations for the cabinet: — From Mr.
Edleston, a specimen of Plusia bractea and some others; from the Rev. J. Johnson,
six specimens of Plutella Dalella.—J. T. N.

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

“A History of British Crustacea” By Tuomas Be tt, F.R.S.,
Pres. L.S., &c. &c.. Part IX., completing the work. London :
Van Voorst. October, 1853. Price 2s. 6d.

THE publication of this work has been a most tedious affair, — it
has been spread over eight years: and we wish to enter our strong
protest against publishers or authors commencing periodical publica-
tions of any kind, with the self-cmposed terms of which they are not
fully prepared to comply. Exceptions to the rule of punctuality may
possibly occur: illness, death, or other unforeseen interruptions, can-
not be guarded against ; but in the present instance no such interrup-
tions have occurred, and no kind of explanation is offered. This is
a more serious subject than it may at first appear, because the want
of punctuality im serials of any kind begets a distaste in the pur-
chasers of such publications; and the proprietors of all periodical

Notices of New Books. 4143

literature are more or less injured by the shortcomings of any one of
their number.

From these observations, imperatively called for but penned with
great reluctance, we turn with pleasure to the work itself, which is
admirably executed, and a long-desired addition to our Natural-His-
tory literature. This last part, containing the Introduction, is the
most valuable of all, and we particularly commend to the close and
studious attention ‘of our readers the following most interesting pas-
sage on the metamorphosis of the Crustacea.

“ One of the most marked characters by which this class was long
considered as distinguished from that of insects, was the supposed
absence of any such change of form, during the progress of develop-
ment after exclusion from the egg, as is ordinarily understood by the
term metamorphosis: and Dr. Leach, in his definition of the class,
formally adopts this character, which has been repeatedly recognised
by others.

“Tt was in the year 1823, that Mr. Vaughan Thompson, whose
name is now identified with the discovery, following up an observa-
tion made by Slabber, a Dutch naturalist, as long ago as 1768, and
published ten years afterwards, established the remarkable fact that
those anomalous forms which constituted the genus Zoea of Bosc, are
nothing more than the early or larva condition of the higher Crusta-
cea. It will readily be imagined that no small excitement was _pro-
duced in the scientific world by the announcement of a discovery
which, followed up, as it afterwards was, with equal intelligence and
perseverance, and with corresponding success, may claim for its au-
thor a place amongst the few observers who, from a single phenome-
non, have been led to the establishment of generalisations and laws of
the highest importance.

“ Notwithstanding, however, the credit is due to Mr. Thompson of
having carried out the suggestion to its full development, it was un-
doubtedly to the Dutch naturalist that he was indebted for the ascer-
tained fact that the anomalous creatures on which Bosc afterwards
founded his genus Zoea pass by metamorphosis into a different and a
higher form. |

“ Before I proceed with the further history of this discovery, I think
it right to show the grounds of Slabber’s claim, which had been wholly
overlooked as to its results, and which, in consequence of an error
arising from deficient information, Mr. Thompson himself, in the first
place, much depreciated, without, as far as I am aware, having after-
wards taken any opportunity of correcting the misapprehension. It

4144 Notices of New Books.

was, then, in the year 1778, that Slabber published a small work, in
which occurs a description with figures of a new crustacean animal
(fig. a), to which the name of Zoea Taurus was afterwards given.
Having taken at sea several specimens of this singular creature, he
placed one of them (@) in sea water, which he constantly renewed, for
the purpose of observation, and, ‘ on the third day, finding its move-
ment become slower and its colour paler, he subjected it to the micro-
scope, and found to his surprise that the anterior part of the animal
had changed its form, and on the fourth day it had acquired the ap-
pearance represented in fig. 6, so that, together with the other indivi-
duals he had taken, it seemed to have experienced a complete meta-
morphosis ; under this new form the dorsal spine had disappeared,
the front spine had become comparatively small, the antennz were
rendered conspicuous, the feet and eyes were apparently more deve-
loped, and the tail had changed from forked to spatulate, fringed by a
row of thirteen short spines.’ It would certainly seem that this plain
and simple statement, supported as it was in many respects by Mr.
Thompson’s own subsequent observations, can scarcely justify the
conclusion to which that gentleman is led, ‘that Slabber lost his Zoea,
in changing the sea water, and that the new form came from the added
portion.” But the truth of Slabber’s statement, and, consequently,
the evidence of the correctness and originality of his discovery, are
very strongly proved by the almost absolute identity of the second
form of his animal with that of several species subsequently observed ;
and particularly of the ditch-prawn (Palemon varians), as figured by
Capt, Du Cane.

“Tt was, however, from this observation of Slabber that Mr. Thomp-
son, in the year 1823, was induced to carry out the investigation. In
the spring of the previous year, as he informs us, in the harbour of
Cove, he first met with Zoeas, and that in considerable abundance ;
and ‘in the year following, at the same season, one of considerable
size occurred, amongst a number of smaller ones, and, judging it full
grown, he considered it a fit subject to keep for the purpose of wit-
nessing the metamorphosis observed by Slabber,; &c. The metamor-
phosis was interrupted by the death of the animal when in the act of
undergoing it; but it had advanced sufficiently to show that the ani-
mal belonged to the Brachyura, and the portion which was observed,
contained all the five feet on one side, the anterior foot being furnished
with a perfect claw; and it appears now more than probable that the
form into which it was passing was that of Megalopa, to which further
reference will be presently made.

Notices of New Books. 4145

““ Here, then, was the first decided demonstration; but any doubt
which might be supposed to appertain to an incomplete fact, was
shortly removed by Mr. Thompson’s success in hatching the ova of

_ the common crab (Cancer Pagurus), the product of which were true

Zoeas.
“Subsequent observations made by Mr. Thompson confirmed his

new views, and he established the truth of a metamorphotic change
in several genera; the results of his researches being given to the
world in a subsequent portion of his “ Zoological Researches,” in the
* Entomological Magazine,’ in ‘ Jameson’s Journal,’ and particularly
in a paper read before the Royal Society in 1835, and published in
the ‘ Philosophical Transactions,’ in which details are given of the
complete changes in the common shore crab (Carcinus Menas), which
establish the further interesting and important fact, that while the ani-
mal appears under the aspect of a Zoea on its first exclusion from the
egg, it undergoes a further change into a true Megalopa before its
final assumption of the perfect form: showing that this supposed
genus also, which was formed by Leach, is, like Zoea, only a phase
of a higher type. Thus, in its progress from the egg to its final deve-
lopment, the brachyurous crustacean was proved to pass through two
temporary conditions, which had previously been regarded as types,
not of genera only, but of different families; and both strikingly dis-
similar from the group to which, in its perfect state, it really belongs.

“The new doctrine was not received at once with implicit assent.
Mr. Westwood, in a paper read before the Royal Society in June,
1835, not only contests the universality of the law, which Mr. Thomp-
son had somewhat too hastily, perhaps, deduced from his facts, but
concludes that that gentleman’s views are erroneous, and that ‘no
exception occurs to the general law of development in the Crustacea
—namely, that they undergo no change of form sufficiently marked to
warrant the application to them of the term metamorphosis.’

“This hasty, and, as the result has proved, very premature con-
demnation, derived some primd facie supports from the elaborate in-
vestigations of Rathke on the development of the embryo in the ova
of the river cray-fish (Astacus fluviatilis), and the subsequent obser-
vations of Mr. Brightwell on that of the lobster, which latter, however,
have since been only partially verified by Rathke, and are, indeed,
modified in some particulars by Mr. R. Couch. To these I shall have
occasion to refer more particularly hereafter ; it is sufficient now to
observe, that in both instances the animal was stated to be perfected
by gradual development, and not by any sudden change of form,

XI. 31

A146 Notices of New Books.

These, if even the statements were fully borne out, have since been
proved to be merely exceptional cases; and not only is Mr. Rathke’s
assumed general support of Mr. Westwood’s objections completely
removed, but that distinguished physiologist himself volunteers his
strong testimony in favour of the opposite views in a subsequent pa-
per, in which he says that he hastens the publication of these new
researches respecting the development of several other forms of Crus-
tacea, one of which is the lobster, ‘in order, as soon as possible, to
record a testimony to the correctness of Thompson’s discovery, that
even the Decapods, after they have already quitted the egg, undergo
a very considerable metamorphosis ;’ and, in conclusion, he adds,
‘from the notices which I have here briefly communicated respecting
the development of some Decapods, it results that several of these
animals, as first discovered and described by Thompson, undergo a
very considerable and highly remarkable metamorphosis. f
I, therefore, confess that I have done Thompson injustice in not put-
ting faith in that discovery.’ And he then states his intention, ‘next
spring, partially to subject his researches on the cray-fish to revision.’
There is one apparent anomaly, however, on which Mr. Westwood
dwells with some plausible show of reason, and on which it may be
well to offer a few remarks.

“ Amongst the specimens of Crustacea, preserved in spirits, which
formed part of the collection of the late Rev. Lansdown Guilding,
and which came into my possession after his death, was one of the
abdomen of a female land crab (Gecarcinus), to which were attached
numerous young, in their perfect form, and very similar, excepting in
size, to the parent. Here, then, was a case in which, it may at once
be granted, no external and independent metamorphosis, at least, had
taken place; and on this, with the other instances above alluded to,
Mr. Westwood founds his principal argument against the doctrine
enunciated by Mr. Thompson. But may not this probably be an
analogous phenomenon to that of the land salamanders amongst the
Amphibia? And, as in that instance, where the animal has no
opportunity of depositing her eggs in the water, where, in the more
typical forms, the young undergo the transformations essential to the
whole group, the changes take place in the oviduct; so may not the
young of the land crab, whose habits require them to be speedily ina
condition to leave the coast where they are hatched, formally undergo
the metamorphosis within the egg? This being granted, it would be
as reasonable to deny the phenomenon of transformation in the Am-
phibia generally, because the young of the salamander are brought

Notices of New Books. A147

forth in the perfect state, as to deny its occurrence in the Crustacea,
on the analogous exceptional case of the terrestrial Gecarcinus.

“I do not consider it necessary to examine at any detail the ‘ six
arguments’ which Mr. Westwood adduces ‘ against the metamorpho-
sis into crabs which the Zoeas are stated to undergo,’ since the facts,
exactly as related by Mr. Thompson, have been so fully confirmed by
subsequent observers. Indeed, I prefer referring to the whole of Mr.
Westwood’s elaborate examination of the question, for the information
of those who may have the curiosity to see how much may plausibly be
urged against the truth of a theory, so irrefragably supported by facts.
It is sufficient to say that Mr. Westwood does not attempt to bring for-
ward a single investigation or observation of his own in support of his
views, with the exception of that of the land crab, already mentioned.

“ But Mr. Westwood was not the only one who demurred to the
correctness of Mr. Thompson’s conclusion. In the first volume of
Milne-Edwards’s admirable ‘ History of Crustacea,’ this author says,
‘Les Decapodes paraissent tous naitre avec la série complete de leurs
anneaux et leurs membres;’ and in a note occurs the following
opinion on the earliest researches of Mr. Thompson : — ‘ Suivant M.
Thompson, les Decapodes éprouveraient de véritable métamorphoses,
car ce naturaliste regarde l’animal connu sous le nom de Zoé comme
étant le jeune du crabe commun de nos cétes. Mais cette opinion
n'est pas étayée d’observations assez précises pour entrainer la con-
viction.’

“It is remarkable that this distinguished naturalist’s ultimate con-
victions were derived from his own observation ; and it is difficult to
account for such a discrepancy when we consider the high character
of the dissentient, and the means which were placed in his hands for
determining the question; for in consequence of the interest which it
excited amongst the scientific men of France, Dr. Milne-Edwards was
deputed, with another naturalist, to repair to the Isle de Rhe, for the
express purpose of settling the disputed point, and he arrived, as we
learn, at the conclusion above stated.

*‘ Subsequently to the researches above mentioned, the late Capt.
Du Cane investigated the development of the shore crab (Carcinus
Menas), and of the ditch prawn (Palemon varians), with complete
success ; establishing in each of these forms the truth of Mr. Thomp-
son’s position. Mr. H. Goodsir also examined, with similar results,
the former species. But by far the most complete illustration of the
subject, and the most extensive proofs of the general law, are afforded
by the researches of my friend, Mr. Richard Q. Couch, of Penzance,

A148 Notices of New Books.

who, dissatisfied with the uncertainty and contradiction of former
testimony, resolved to investigate the matter for himself; and this he
effected with a degree of acumen and perseverance which character-
ize all his researches, and by which the truth of the doctrine is fully
established, as regards the genera Cancer, Zantho, Pilumnus, Carci-
nus, Portunus, Polybius, Maia, Galathea, Homarus, and Palinurus,—
a goodly number to have been investigated by one observer, — and of
some of these he watched every change. These results were pub-
lished in two Memoirs, read to the Cornwall Polytechnic Society in
1843; in which the author takes a clear and fair view of the whole
subject, and comes to his decision with a host of evidence sufficient
to set the substantive question entirely at rest. Unfortunately, the
useful local publication in which these Memoirs appeared, is so much
confined in its circulation, that it has probably fallen into the hands
of but few naturalists. ,

“1 have felt it desirable to give a more extended history of the dis-
covery, as, with the exception of Mr. R. Couch’s first Memoir just
referred to, no such digest has ever been placed at one view before the
world. I now proceed to examine the actual results, and to endea-
vour to reduce the facts already known to some order.

“It will be inferred from the previous account, that there are consi-
derable variations in the character of the metamorphosis of different
families, and that in the case of Astacus fluviatilis, there appears
at present to exist even an abrupt and isolated exception to the
general law. As this is the only case at present in which such
exception has been established, I refer my readers for further infor-
mation on this subject, to the work of Mr. Rathke himself, which
constitutes one of the most complete and elaborate monographs in
existence, illustrated in the most beautiful and perfect manner ; and
to the full and satisfactory analysis of the work by Milne-Edwards,
in the first volume of his ‘ History of the Crustacea.’

“‘Hliminating, therefore, this exceptional case, it will be found that
the fact of a metamorphosis has been demonstrated with more or less
success in no less than seventeen genera of the brachyurous order of
the Decapoda —in which order the phenomenon is most decided and
obvious — belonging to the families Leptopodiade, Maiade, Cancer-
idx, Portunide, Pinnotheride, Grapside, and Gecarcinide. In the
Anomourous order, it has been shown in the genera Pagurus, Porcel-
lana, and Galathea, and amongst the Macroura in Homarus, Palinu-
rus, Palemon, and Crangon.”—Introduction, p. xxxviil.

Notices of New Books. 4149

‘The Natural History of the Birds of Ireland, indigenous and
migratory, containing Descriptions of the Habits, Migrations,
Occurrence, and Economy, of the two hundred and sixty-one
Species comprised in the Fauna.” By Joun J. Watters,
Associate Member of the University Zoological Association.
Dublin: John M‘Glashan. London: W.S. Orr & Co. 1853.
300 pages, 12mo. ; no illustrations. Price 5s.

WE believe that we shall be doing the author of this work the most
acceptable service by quoting entire his explanatory Preface. We
can only add that we rejoice in every attempt to make known the
Natural-History riches of Ireland.

“The present ‘ Natural History of the Birds of Ireland’ has been
the result of many years’ observation of their habits. Collecting and
arranging that information, I have ventured, with considerable diffi-
dence, to place it before the public. The late William Thompson,
Ksq., of Belfast, whose friendship I for many years enjoyed, on vari-
ous occasions expressed a desire to see a cheap work on the subject
published, regretting at the same time the unavoidable expense at-
tending his own, which had prevented its circulation to the extent
expected.

*“‘ For the purpose of making this book as popular and comprehen-
sive as possible, many scientific technicalities have been left out, as
tending to confuse the general reader without conferring any addi-
tional information, whilst such generic or specific names, essential to
the subject, have in every instance their English signification attached.
Intended to be within the comprehension of the general reader, it is
hoped at the same time to be as available to students, and particularly
to persons commencing or pursuing this branch of Natural History :
for that purpose many details will be found through the work, record-
ing the occurrence of the rarer visitants to our island, and in every
instance specifying the habitat or country they are indigenous to.
This arrangement might have been difficult were it not for the assist-
ance afforded by the works of Temminck, Degland, and Schlegel,
together with those of other distinguished naturalists, whose informa-
tion is acknowledged in the text. Mr. Thompson’s work has afforded
me considerable facility in referring to notices of species which I had
previously transmitted to him, which was fortunate, as in many cases
] had no copy except what occurred in my correspondence with that
gentleman, and which he has so amply acknowledged in his work.

4150 Notices of New Books.

“ For the further information of the student the modern French sci-
entific names have been added, together with a carefully revised and
copious index to the systematic names in both languages; whilst in
several instances notices have been introduced of the appearance of
the same species in other countries, for the purpose of illustrating
some peculiarity of habit not observable in our own.

“For the better economy of space and consequent saving of ex-
pense, I have omitted a description of the plumage of the birds, pre-
ferring to give a familiar description of their habits and migrations
rather than to occupy the work with a quantity of matter not sufli-
ciently attractive to the general reader.”

eee

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ No. 71, dated
November, 1853. London: Taylor & Francis, Red Lion Court,
Fleet Street. Price 2s. 6d.

THE papers in this number are as follows : —

‘On the Nucleus of the Characee.’ Translated by Mr. A. Henfrey
from the original of Al. Braun.

‘On the Branchial Currents in the Bivalves... By William Clark,
Esq.

‘On Preserving the Balance between the Animal and Vegetable
Organisms in Sea Water.’ By Robert Warington, Esq.

‘On the Cornbrash of the Neighbourhood of Cirencester. By
James Buckman, F'.L.S., F.G.S., Professor of Geology, Royal Agricul-
tural College.

‘On the Teeth of the Pneumonibranchiate Mollusca. By J. E.
Gray, Ph.D., F.R.S., V.P.Z.S. |
“On the Mechanism of Aquatic Respiration, and on the Structure
of the Organs of Breathing in Invertebrated Animals.’ By Thomas

Williams, M.D. Lond.

Proceedings of Societies : — Zoological.

Miscellaneous : — Spadix purpurea; by W. P. Cocks. Note on
the Parasitism of Comandra umbellata; by Asa Gray. Rare Irish
Mollusca; by William White Walpole. Natica sordida; by the same.

With respect to these valuable papers we have scarcely any com-
ments to make. That most interesting to zoologists has been kindly
transmitted by the author, Mr. Warington, for publication in these
pages, (see Zool. 4118). Mr. White Walpole’s brief notice of “ Rare

Quadrupeds. A151

Irish Mollusca” is contained in the more detailed and comprehensive
paper by that acute and indefatigable naturalist in a prior number of
the ‘ Zoologist, (see Zool. 4101). This gentleman’s note on Natica

-sordida states that specimens of that rare mollusk were obtained by

him this summer off the Irish coast, by trawling in about 60 fathoms
water: in company with this shell was Fusus propinquus. The same
two mollusks have also been found in company off the coast of Wex-
ford; and Dr. Melville has found them in close proximity off the
Isles of Arran, in Galway Bay.

‘ Shells and their Inhabitants. The Genera of Recent Mollusca
arranged according to their Organization. By HENRY AND
ArtuHur Apams. Part VII. London: Van Voorst. Novem-
ber, 1853. Demy 8vo., with the plates plain, price 2s. 6d. ;
Royal 8vo., with the Animals coloured, price 5s.

TuIs part contains 32 pages of text and 4 plates, and comprises the
under-mentioned genera: — Volvaria, Lamarck ; Dolium, Browne ;
Cadium, Link; Ringicula, Deshayes; Sycotypus, Browne; Velutina,
Fleming ; Lamellaria, Montagu; Cryptocella, Adams; Marsenina,
Gray; Coriocella, Blainville; Natica, Adanson; Lunatia, Lamarck ;
Neverita, Risso; Ampullina, Lamarck; Ruma, Chemnitz; Mamma,
Klein; Naticina, Gray; Catinus, Klein; Amaura, Moller ; Cassis,
Browne; Semicassis, Klein; Cassidea, Link; Levenia, Gray; Scon-
sia, Gray; Galeodea, Link; Morum, Bolten; Scala, Klein ; Cirso-
trema, Worch; and Acus, Humphrey.

The figures representing the shell and animal in their relative posi-
tions to each other are remarkably satisfactory, and do the artists, who
are also the authors, infinite credit.

Anecdote of a Cow sucked by two Hedgehogs. — Having recently heard that my
relative, Mr. T. F. Buxton, of Leytonstone, Essex, had met with an instance in which
the old opinion on the above subject appeared to be verified, I wrote to him to request
information respecting it; and I beg to forward his reply, together with a statement
made by his servant, for insertion in the ‘ Zoologist.’

Extract of a Letter addressed to Mr. J. H. Gurney by Mr. T. F. Buxton, of Ley-
tonstone, in Essex, dated November 9, 1853.—“ One evening in the course of the sum-
mer I heard, several times repeated, a noise as of a blow on the iron palings of my

4152 TInscets.

field, and sent my stable-boy with a lantern, to ascertain the cause. On his return he
told me that he found a cow lying near the palings, and two hedgehogs sucking her.
He made the cow get up, but the hedgehogs remained suspended to her till he knocked
them off with a stick. He kicked them about in a vain attempt to kill them. I have
no reason to doubt the boy’s statement: he is an intelligent lad of sixteen, and I have
never known him tell a falsehood. The movements of the lantern, which I observed
from the house, entirely corresponded with his account.”

Statement of Mr. Busxton’s Servant, dated November 9, 1853. — “ One evening in
the month of July Mr. Buxton heard a noise in the field. Then I was sent to see
what was the matter. I went half way through the field, and then I came to the old
cow, which was laying on her left side and moaning, and two big hedgehogs sucking
her milk. When they saw my light, then they bit her, and made her get up, then she
began to kick at the fence, till I got a stick and knocked them off. I kicked them
down the field some distance but did not kill them. ‘They were about twenty minutes
from the time Master told me till I got them off. I dare say they would have sucked
her dry.”

—J. H. Gurney ; Easton, Norfolk, Novemoer 11, 1853.

List of Micro-Lepidoptera taken in the Vicinity of Dublin during the year 1853.—
The Hill of Howth is the locality where the following captures were made, unless
otherwise expressed > —

Tortrix icterana, July.

Peronea rufana, hedges by the side of the old road, September and October.

favillaceana, larve under beech-leaves in a fine web, plantations on the
hill, July.
Spilonota Roborana, larve on sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa), May.
Sericoris cespitana, littorana, and lacunana, July.
Cnepbhasia musculana, larve on brambles, Enniskerry, September.
Phoxopteryx Lundana, May.
Semasia spiniana, August.
Coccyx Vacciniana, May.
Catoptria Hypericana, Enniskerry, July.
Argyrolepia Badiana, July.
Cochylis Francillana, July.
Eudorea lineolea, larvee under the yellow canker-moss on old blackthorns, June,
(Zool. 3778).
Homceosoma nimbella, larve in the seeds of wild chamomile, August.
Tinea fuscipunctella, in the house, Dollymount.
Depressaria atomella, July and August.
3 assimilella, July.
ma Alstreemeriana, gardens at Dollymount, August.
- subpropinquella, larvee under leaves of thistles, in a light web, June.
Gelechia fraternella, larve on Stellaria uliginosa, May, (Trans. Ent. Soc. n. s. vol.
ii. p. 77, pl. 10, f. 3).
te Neviferella, July.

%

{
:
‘
;
}

Reptiles.— German Association. 4153

Roslerstammia granitella, July.
Argyresthia spiniella, in mixed underwood, August.
Coleophora Alcyonipennella, larve on Centaurea nigra, April and May, (Trans.
Ent. Soc. n. s. vol. ii. pl. 11, f. 2).
os discordella, larva on Lotus corniculatus in May, (Zool. 4026).
Gracilaria inconstans, larve on alders, June and October.
= Tringipennella, larve mining the leaves of plantain, April and July.
4 auroguttella, April and July.
Nepticula margincolella (Stainton), n. sp., larve in elm-leaves, October.
PA Acetose (Stainton), n.sp., larve in the leaves of Rumex Acetosella,
July, October, and November.
Lithocolletis trifasciella, October, November, and December.
—Richard Shield ; 6, Fleet Street, Dublin, November 12, 1853.

Snakes with Two Heads. — A few days ago a collection of animals belonging to
Mrs. Wombwell made a short stay in this town, and the proprietress circulated hand-
bills, describing, among other novelties, “a group of double-headed Snakes,” a portion
of one of which I inclose. Of course, the announcement of so extraordinary an ano-
maly aroused my curiosity, and I went to see this strange reptile, “with,” to use the
words of the keeper in describing it, ‘a head at each extremity of the body, the scales
running both ways towards the middle, where the vent is situated.” I endeavoured,
but in vain, to obtain a close inspection. The reptiles were kept in a tin box, and
when exhibited, the lid was opened, a quantity of old furs taken out, and one of them
seized by the middle with a long pair of tongs, and thus held writhing over the heads
of the spectators. The one I saw was just shedding its skin, and parts of the body from
which it had separated were dark brown and moist-looking. Both extremities were
thick and rounded, and from one I distinctly saw a tongue protruded several times :
the other was much obscured by folds and fragments of old skin, which the keeper de-
clared covered another head; but, from the manner in which the reptile was held up,
and the respectful distance we were compelled to maintain, it was impossible to deter-
mine satisfactorily whether he spoke truth or not. My own conviction is, that the
double head is, at most, apparent. If I am right, I think it very proper that such an
attempt to impose on the credulity of the public should be exposed: if I am wrong,
creatures so extraordinary should certainly not be suffered to remain inmates of a tra-
velling menagerie. I may mention that the keeper related fearful instances of their
deadly venom. A young rattlesnake, bitten by one of them, died in three minutes ; a
sparrow was swelled in a short time by the poison to the size of a pigeon! — Jno. R.

Hawley ; Hall Gate, Doncaster, November 1, 1853.

German Association for the Advancement of Science.

Tue German Naturalists and Physicians held their thirtieth meeting this year
at Tubingen, on the 18th ultimo. It was attended by about 580 members, including
a moderate sprinkling of French and Russians, two Americans, and a few English.

The meeting at Tibingen was not so numerous as that last year at Wiesbaden.
Tubingen, though offering considerable attractions, by its situation in one of the finest
parts of Swabia, by its scientific institutions, and by its reputation as a University, is

XI. 3K

4154 German Association

not yet connected with the great European railway net; and people do not like travel-
ling now in slow mail-coaches even for a day. Another cause was, that the President,
Professor Hugo von Mohl, elected last year, did not do his duty. For reasons best
known to himself, he did not appreciate the honour which the votes of nearly 1000 sci~
entific men from all parts of the world had conferred upon him. Instead of endea-
vouring to further the object of the Society, he tried everything in his power to prevent
the meeting from being held at all; and when he found that the patriotism of his
townsmen did not allow them to go the same way with himself, he departed for Italy,
leaving the whole business to be arranged by the Vice-President, Mr. Bruns, Professor
of Medicine at Tubingen. Professor Bruns, much to his credit, took up the matter
warmly, and so thoroughly succeeded in arousing the interest of the University and
the towns of the neighbourhood, that the reception of the learned guests was of the
most cordial nature. Tubingen itself had a very festive appearance. Outside the
gates of the city triumphal arches, with streamers and flags floating upon them, had
been erected, and within, nearly every house was decorated with garlands of oak-leaves
and gay flowers ; whole spruce-trees had temporarily been planted before some of the
buildings, and even in the dwellings of the humbler classes of inhabitants, attempts—
aye, and some very successful ones—had been made to do something towards showing
that the strangers were heartily welcome. It is unnecessary to develope the effect
which such a reception produced upon the meeting; every one seemed to be happy,
and at, the first general dinner there was such a profusion of spirited speeches
and toasts as are seldom heard on similar occasions. Preserving the scientific form,
and moving only within the bounds of scientific terminology, several of the speakers
told their audience some very amusing things of every-day life, and caused a great
deal of laughter. Quenstedt, the geologist, and Veesenmeyer, the botanist, succeeded
in rousing the merriment of the party to the highest pitch. On the 21st of September
an excursion was made to Rottenburg, an ancient Roman town, and thence to
the Niedernau, a modern watering-place. There were no less than 600 carriages, in-
cluding cabs, omnibuses, and mail-coaches. In Rottenburg the naturalists were
received by the Lord Mayor and Corporation. The principal street was most inge-
niously ornamented ; about 6000 hop-poles, with the graceful creeper around them,
had been erected at suitable distances from each other, thus forming a complete ave-
nue. The appearance they presented contrasted charmingly with the venerable
old buildings, and the bright sun, the sweet smell of the hop, the flags and festoons,
the music, the friendly faces of the inhabitants, the numerous huzzas, and the waving
of handkerchiefs, formed altogether a scene of a very impressive kind. ‘In Niedernau,
where, after leaving Rottenburg and passing several villages, the carriages arrived, a
good dinner was waiting, the President. of the Society being aware that no one
descended from Teutonic stock considers a festival complete without something sub-
stantial to eat. At dinner, the health of Uhland and Justinus Kerner was drank.
The presence of these two old poets, who have both endeared themselves by
their patriotism to their countrymen, and have done so much towards making German
literature what it is, called forth the greatest enthusiasm, which was the more real in a
district which their writings have rendered classical ground, and where one cannot
look at a ruin, or visit a town, that is not already associated in one’s mind with some
popular ballad or romance of these men.. On the 23rd of September, an excursion was
made to Reutlingen, formerly one of the free Rix-cities, but.now a manufacturing:
town belonging to Wirtemberg. In the time of the last revolution, a great political

for the Advancement of Science. A155

meeting was held here, which gave rise to the fearful struggle in Baden. On the day
mentioned, it presented a very peaceable appearance. On passing the boundaries of
the town, the naturalists were received by two heralds on horseback, in the costume of

_ the middle ages, both holding banners in their hands. The one was dressed in the co-

lours of Reutlingen: the other in those of Germany—black, red, and gold. Just out-
side the city gates there was a triumphal arch, and the cathedral and all the steeples
of the churches were profusely decorated with flags and streamers. The weather was
beautiful. In one of the public gardens the dinner table had been spread in the open
air, where at least 1500 people sat down. During dinner a well-conducted band kept
playing. A fine effect was produced by a chorus of singers, consisting of peasants,
both men and women, of the neighbouring district ; they were all dressed in their na-
tive costume, and, headed by a fine looking fellow of their party, who carried their
banner, they marched around the table at which the naturalists were sitting. After
dinner, rnost of the party paid a visit to the Achalm, the ruins of a castle mentioned
in one of Uhland’s ballads. The view from thence was charming. The vineyards
surrounding the ruin, the town of Reutlingen, the rivulets, the distant chain of moun-
tains, with its old feudal castles, formed a pleasing panorama, and amply repaid the
exertions of those who, after taking in a hearty dinner, and letting the wine-bottle
pass freely, had climbed the summit. In returning about eight o’clock in the
evening to Tubingen, there was a firework on the top of the hill on which the castle
is built. It produced almost a magical effect to see the old Gothic building illumined
by the different coloured fires, and the numerous rockets, with their blue, red,
and white nuclei, shooting up into the sky. In short, there was plenty of amuse-
meut during the whole time of the meeting. Balls, concerts, dinner-parties, alternated
with each other; there was even once, so as to give a notion of German student-life, a
representation of a “ Kneipe,” in which grave professors, throwing aside for a while all
reserve, acted the part of students and freshmen.

The scientific part of the meeting was equally satisfactory. In the three general
or public sittings none but subjects treated in a popular manner were this time
admitted, and all papers that could in the least offend the ear of ladies had been
strictly rejected,—a laudable restriction, probably adopted in consequence of the com-
plaints made by the press that medical subjects not intended for any but medical men
had been brought forward. One of the first speakers was Jaeger, of Stuttgart, who
gave a brief account of the last year’s lahours of the Imperial L. C. Academy of Natu-
ralists, detailing that, as the first German institution, it had assumed the protectorship
over the Societies of German Physicians at Paris and New York, that it had asked for
three prize essays, and that the King of Wirtemberg had shown his good will towards
the Academy by presenting it with a sum of money, to be devoted to scientific explor-
ing expeditions. Schultze, Bip., read an interesting paper ‘On the Development of
the Natural Sciences from the Middle of the Sixteenth Century until the Middle of the
Nineteenth. He assumed three periods: — 1st, The period when knowledge was
handed down by oral tradition; 2nd, When it was propagated by writing; and 3rd,
When perpetuated by printing. The present time he looks upon as the commence-
ment of a fourth period, when, by the intimate international intercourse and the power
of steam, knowledge is rapidly diffused. Dove, of Berlin, gave a comprehensive ac-
count of the present state of meteorology, and a very clear explanation of the causes
which determine the weather of Europe. Carnal spoke on the importance of salt,
gold, and coal, — three monosyllables playing an important part in the affairs of the

4156 German Association.

world. He complained of the ignorance prevailing in England on the subject
of German coal, and quoted a conversation he had with an Englishman of some sci-
entific standing, who asked him whether there were any coal in Germany ?—a question
he answered by stating that not only had Germany enough coal for her own use, but
could supply England and all the world, at the rate coal is now used, for 500 years to
come. Fraas gave an account of the oldest inhabitants of the Swabian Alps. It
appears that a few yexs#ago fossil teeth were found which some at once declared to be
those of man. This determination, however, was called into question, as no human
teeth of the mammoth period had ever been fonnd in any part of the globe. Again,
these teeth were exhibited last year in Wiesbaden, by Jaeger, when they were gene-
rally admitted to be human teeth; one was even sent to Owen, who agreed with the
Wiesbaden meeting in pronouncing them to belong to man. The discovery of several
almost perfect skulls has set the matter finally at rest: there was a race of men living
simultaneously with the mammoth and other huge antediluvian animals. Gumbel
read a paper on Mosses, explaining their importance in the economy of Nature, their
great use to man, with whom they appeared together upon the earth. Veesenmeyer
gave a spirited sketch of the Kirguises, and with a power of language reminding one
of Humboldt’s ‘ Views of Nature,’ he described their relation towards plants and animals.

The sectional meetings were well attended. In the section for Chemistry and
Pharmacology there were Fehling, Schlossberger, Leube, Babo, Weidenbusch, Ammer-
muller, Fresenius, Weltzien, H. Rose, &c.; Fehling and Rose alternately presided.
In the section for Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy, we noticed Wolfers, Osann,
Reusch, Dove, Holtzmann, Gugler, &c,; Dove and Osann presided. ‘The section for
Medicine and Surgery counted the largest number of members. We may mention
Ritter, Virchow, Heyfelder, Exlenmeyer, Fraas, Vierodt, &c.; Virchow was elected
President. The Botanical section counted amongst its members Martens, Veesen-
meyer, De Bary, Steudel, Schnitzlein, Hochstetter, and elected Schultz, Seemann, and
Gumbel Presidents. The section for Anatomy, Physiology, and Zoology was attended
by Luschka, Ecker, Focke, Wutzer, and was presided over by Rapp. The section for
Geology, Mineralogy, and Geography was represented by Carnal, Quenstedt, Strom-
beck, Glocker, Desor, Gerlach, Stocker, &e., and elected Merian President.

The Imperial L. C. Academy of Naturalists, which may be looked npon as
the nucleus of the Society, held two sittings under the Presidency of Professors
Jaeger and Heyfelder. Dr. Nees von Esenbeck, the President, was unfortunately pre-
vented by illness from attending. Ina letter of his addressed to Jaeger he gave
a favourable statement of the affairs of the Academy, showing that there were at pre-
sent a greater number of first-rate scientific papers for publication in the ‘ Nova Acta’
than at any former period. ‘The topics of discussion referred chiefly to the affairs of
the Academy, and have not yet been made public.

On the 24th of September the nreetings were finally closed. Gottingen was cho-
sen as the place of meeting for 1854, and Professors Listing and Baum were elected
Presidents of the Society —From the ‘ Literary Gazette, October 22, 1853.

According to the ‘ Bonplandia, three Englishmen were, on the 18th of August,
elected Members of the Imperial L. C. Academy :—1. John Smith, Esq., who received
the cognomen “ Kunze.” 2. Dr. Thomas Thomson, to whom the title ‘‘ Hamilton ”
was given. And, 3. John Miers, Esq.,on whom the name “ Kunth” was conferred.

EDWARD NEWMAN, PRINTER, 9, DEVONSHIRE STREET, BISHOPSGATE.

APPENDIX

TO

THE ZOOLOGIST

For 185$8

Art. XXIX.— Proposed Division of Neuroptera into two Classes.
By Epwarp NEwMAN.

CHARACTERS are assigned to groups in Natural History, for the
purpose of distinguishing them from other groups. To accomplish
this end, characters should apply to all the component parts of the
groups which they are intended to distinguish, and should not apply
to the component parts of any cognate group which they are not in-
tended to distinguish. It is, however, no proof that a group is unna-
tural, because the characters which naturalists have assigned to it are
insufficient ; for the uninstructed mind acknowledges Nature’s group-
ing, without the aid of science: an infant will distinguish a bird or a
fish, without knowing the characters which separate both from a mam-
mal; and however the man of science may blunder in defining those
characters, however unsatisfactory to himself and to others may be his
definitions, still a bird and a fish will ever be recognized as things
distinct and separate from each other and from mammals. Nothing
is more certain than that Nature has distinguished such groups: no-
thing is more probable than that man should fail in defining them.
In Entomology, we have hit on distinguishing characters for most of
the classes; but that which is now universally known by the name
Neuroptera, and, by a few entomologists, by my proposed name of
Anisomorpha, has defied all attempts at definition, except such vague
and negative definition as depends on variation or absence of charac-
ter. Moreover, the mind does not recognize Neuroptera as one of
Nature’s divisions. All our systematists have felt this deficiency, this
difficulty ; but instead of carefully revising the entire group, and

X# APPENDIX. AA

clxxxli Proposed Division of Neuroptera

endeavouring to re-arrange and harmonize its contents, they have cut
off here and there a group which appeared to them peculiarly aberrant,
thinking that they had thereby reduced the residue into a more homo-
geneous mass. Our most profound systematists have thus separated
groups from the Neuroptera, and raised them to an equal rank with
the heterogeneous residue, which they have left united. As instances
I may mention De Geer, Fabricius, Dumeril, Kirby, MacLeay, Hali-
day, Brullé, Laporte Count de Castelnau, &c., who, under the names
of Elinguia, Odontata, Stegoptera, Trichoptera, Megaloptera, Thy-
sanoptera, Isoptera, Raphioptera, Anisoptera, &c., have separated
one or other of the integral portions of the class. To criticise the
labours of the men whose names I have here enumerated, would be
altogether out of place in one who is proud to rank himself as their
disciple; but it cannot be overlooked that the concurrent testimony
of these profound and original thinkers is against the integrity or ho-
mogeneity of Neuroptera, although each has sought a different remedy
for an evil equally manifest to all.

My own idea, broached many years ago, is, that the character of va-
riety in structure and metamorphosis, which all have assigned to the
Neuroptera, and which, for want of a better, I must leave attached to the
Anisomorpha, is not only insufficient but unphilosophical; and though
still at a loss to find satisfactory characters for the imago, I think there
is no doubt that the varied metamorphosis affords the means of divid-
ing the group into two good and equal divisions. ‘That these divisions
should not be of the same extent as the other classes of Tetraptera,
indeed, that they should be more intimately related, and should pos-
sess a great and structural resemblance in the perfect state, appears
to me in no way to militate against the necessity for their separation,
but simply to establish their central position among Tetraptera, a sub-
ject which it is not the object of the present paper to discuss; neither
do I consider it needful to explain away the addition of an eighth di-
vision to this important group, although I am thus setting aside, at
least to all appearance, the prevalence of the number seven. The fol-
lowing formula is that which I now beg to offer to the notice of ento-
mologists, as desirable to adopt in this division of Entomology.

INSECTA TETRAPTERA.

Pupa amorphous Ga .ts0... .scice-s, sch saenaneaes 202 AMORPHA.
Wimgenormalisealy. .,..:.0:..J neh Wada ees LEPIDOPTERA.
Fore wings normal, hind wings abnor-

mal, clih-shabed «...).:27..4L0emaw. danas DIPTERA.

into lwo Classes. elxxxiil

Rupa mecromorphorige. f55..060...655. ceases ales es NECROMORPHA.
Wings normal; baked: ):.)....:...A00R Gest. HYMENOPTERA.
Fore wings abnormal, coriaceous ; hind

wines normal folded’... ....ciawaas diets. COLEOPTERA.

Pups isomorphous) jee. siesiiis.....005 1.144. eabeakos ISOMORPHA.
Mouth mordent, with transversely mov-

TING JAWS yerd heal (ois Lick. seels eee nes ORTHOPTERA.
Mouth with its component parts setiform,
fitted only for imbibing fluids .................. HEMIPTERA.

PPD VaRiOlise gs. si ci..c. .2eccsss tac ua ANISOMORPHA.
Pupasidomorph ousiis 5.:0s00i 05s iacs oedaebedebdeedib.. kts NEUROPTERA.
Bapaimecromorplious > 21.0, .caiiadisaaiun. STEGOPTERA.

The following additional characters of the two new classes are of-
fered in further elucidation of their distinguishing differences ; and it
may be observed that they are subject to occasional exceptional mo-
difications.

NEUROPTERA, Newm., non Linn.

Larva hexapoda; agilis; mordens; Ephemeris, Agrionibus, Libel-
lulis, Perlis, aquatica, rapax, entomophaga; Termitibus, Psocis,
Thripibus, terrestris vel arborea, plerumqué phytophaga.

Pupa propemodium isomorpha; hexapoda; agilis; natat, currit,
vorat.

Imago larvam plus minusve simulans; alis 4 amplis, membraneis,
nudis, paribus; Ephemeris, Agrionibus erectis ; Libellulis por-
rectis ; mandibulis corneis, plerumqué validis, mordentibus.

STEGOPTERA, Newm., non Dum.

Larva hexapoda; segnis; mordens; Phryganeis, Corydalibus, aqua-
tica, ? phytophaga; Myrmeleonibus, Hemerobiis terrestris vel
arborea, rapax, entomophaga.

Pupa necromorpha ; pelliculo ligata; sine ore, sine motu ; neque
natat, nec currit ; folliculo serico dit quiescit.

Imago larvam nullo modo simulans; alis 4 amplis, membraneis,
plerumqué hirsutis, paribus, neque erectis, nec porrectis, sed
convolutis aut decumbentibus, corpus tegentibus, instar tecti ;
mandibulis plerumqué corneis, plerumqué mordentibus.

A few additional observations may serve still further to illustrate
the differences between the two classes. In the first place, the meta-
morphosis is decidedly different: the pupa in the Neuroptera is uni-
formly locomotive and feeding, in the Stegoptera uniformly quiescent

cIXXxX1v Proposed Division of Neuroptera

and incapable of feeding: the much-discussed exception in the instance
of Raphidia ophiopsis is apparent, and not real; in this insect there
is no cocoon, and the pupa inhabits exactly the same situations as the
larva, namely, excavated passages in the decayed bark of trees; it
moves after a fashion, but only in the same way that the pupa of a
Hepialus or an Ageria may be said to move; and in each of the three
instances the character, as regards the tribe, is exceptional, and not
distinctive. The pupa in the Neuroptera, on the contrary, is uniformly
active and voracious, although not uniformly isomorphous ; the squat
toad-like pupa of the Libellulina being very unlike the elegant imago.
Natural classification is tripod, and metamorphosis, alary structure
and cibarian structure are the three legs on which it stands: to neg-
lect metamorphosis, therefore, where so decidedly marked as in the
present instance, were to undermine the entire edifice, and to endan-
ger the stability of the building. The flight, again, in the typical
Neuroptera is pre-eminently strong and long-continued, gradually fail-
ing in aberrant orders, and perhaps becoming totally extinct among
the most aberrant of all, the Thripsina: in the Stegoptera the flight is
generally of short duration, heavy, fluttering and laboured, and the more
strongly marked the characters of the class, the more feeble are the
powers of flight. Again, as to food: the conspicuous and numerically
‘preponderating Libellulina in the Neuroptera are predaceous and vo-
racious in an eminent degree ; whereas the equally well marked and
equally numerous Phryganeina, in the Stegoptera, not only are not
predaceous, but are not known to take any food: and when we find
the Stegoptera exhibiting a predaceous and raptorial structure, as in
Raphidiina and Mantispina, such characters are associated with the
assumption of other Neuropterous characters, as the nude, hyaline,
glittering, and strongly reticulated character of the wings, and the
nudity of the pupa. These considerations lead to the belief that the
Neuroptera and Stegoptera are distinct but proximate classes. In
addition to these observations, it seems desirable to explain that these
classes, although bearing old names, are nevertheless totally new. I
feel an absolutely insuperable objection to giving new names where
old ones can by any ingenuity be made to answer the purpose ; and
although I take on myself the responsibility of the new combinations
of groups, and of the present application of the names, I trust that en-
tomologists will feel no difficulty in the mental connexion of the word
Neuroptera with the dragon-flies, heretofore and still the type of the
class, nor of the word Stegoptera, or “roof-winged,” with the ant-lions
and lace-wings, for which Dumeril originally intended it,

into two Classes. clxxxv

I now proceed to a more detailed account of the contents of the
new classes: the divisions are so perfectly natural, that naturalists are
already agreed on them, with a single exception; and they may be
briefly expressed by the following formula.

Divisions of NEUROPTERA.

Larva and pupa aquatic, carnivorous : —
Wings when at rest erect, meeting verti-
cally over the back : —
dissimilar, fore-wings large, hind wings

small: tarsi 5-jointed «0.0... seers EPHEMERINA, Newm.
alike?’ tarsi'3-jointed. ©.2.....)..0 Ree AGRIONINA, Newm.
Wings when at rest porrected horizontally:
tarsi S>jointed 1... 3.054... AG ei LIBELLULINA, Newm.
Wings lying flat on the back: tarsi 3-
gom ted? .0720002.. R01... A4. dee PERLINA, Newm.

Larva and pupa terrestrial or arboreal, omni-
vorous or phytophagous : —
Wings lying flat on the back, alike, reticu-
lated : tarsi 4-jointed oo... .cccssssesseeees TERMETINA, Newm.
Wings deflected over the abdomen, dissi-
milar; fore wings large, hind wings
smal] : tarsi 3-jointed ..........ccsecsevees Psocina, Newm.
Wings lying flat on the back, alike, frin-
ged, without veins: tarsi 2-jointed... THripsina, Newm.

Divisions of STEGOPTERA.
(Tarsi untformly 5-jointed ).

Larva subcortical or arboreal, supposed to be

phytophagous : —
Mouth prolonged into a beak ....... Bids 5. Panorpina, Newm.
Mouth of ordinary form : —
Bore-legs.simple;........-... iso 1sueteaeemibeeh sess RaAPHIDIINA, Newm.
Fore-legs.raptorial. ...........sissvgemiiee 0s MANTISPINA, New.
Larva aquatic, supposed to be phytophagous : —
EPVBIE IN. CASO} eb ieisva.. op00-ns<leelegiaL 5}. PHRYGANEINA, Newm.
Maked, natatoryy, '....-.0.0:«)>-gneees CorypaLina, MacL.
Larva terrestrial, insectivorous : —
digging pitfalls for its Prey. ......seseeeseeeee Myrmeceonina, M‘Z.

living on leaves and feeding on Aphides HeMERoBIINA, MacL.

clxxxvl Proposed Division of Neuroptera

Characters of EPHEMERINA.

Larva aquatic, breathes by means of external gills, which also serve
as organs of natatory locomotion: it has long filiform multiarti-
culate antennz, corneous but small and feeble mandibles, long
and strong legs, and three long filiform multiarticulate caudal
sete: it frequents the bottom of ponds, and especially of run-
ning streams, is fond of secreting itself under stones, and
appears to feed on the decomposing organic matter which min-
gles so largely in the sediment of all waters.

Pupa similar to the larva in its forms, habits, and food; the rudi-
ments of the wings are however very perceptible at the posterior
angles of the wing-bearing segments: it attains its perfect state
by a double ecdysis; after the first, the insect retains the soft
silky pellicle which invests a great number of insects, and which,
in all other cases, is shed with the pupa-case; but, although
remaining in this pellicle, it assumes its final form, and (mira-
bile dictu /) acquires the power of flight: after a feeble flight
the insect settles, and in the course of a few hours divests itself
of the pellicle, and has then accomplished all its transformations.

Imago with very short 3-jointed antenne, the terminal joint longest,
and a mere seta: 3 ocelli: the mouth is so soft and fleshy as to
become amorphous after death, and its component parts totally
obliterated: Latreille and Savigny, our greatest cibarian ento-
mologists, examined the mouth of these insects, and the former
left descriptions, the latter figures, of its parts; but these do not
correspond, and I confess to my own entire inability to verify
their observations: the life of these insects being proverbially
short, and spent almost entirely either at rest or on the wing,
we may conclude that the imago does not feed, and hence, pro-
bably, the apparently imperfect development of the cibarian
organs: the prothorax is atrophied: the wings are much reti-
culated with veins, and very unequal in size, the fore wings be-
ing ample, the hind small, and sometimes totally wanting; they
are held perfectly erect, meeting over the back when the insect
is at rest, like those of a butterfly: the flight is in the evening,
and in company, like that of some gnats, rising and falling, and
is remarkable for its extreme elegance : the wings appear to be
moved only in rising, the insect floating downwards by its own
weight, with motionless and semi-expanded wings: the legs are
simple and slender, the fore-legs longer and porrected in the

into two Classes. clxxxvil

males: the abdomen terminates in long caudal multiarticulate
sete.

The following formula, founded on the researches of Dr. Leach,

exhibits the characters by which these insects may be again readily
subdivided.

Wings 4: —
ee. renee re BAETIDZ, Newman.
CI ES es EPHEMERID&, Newman.
Wings 2: —
SOOO SS SS en Ca:nip&, Newman.
ES Ee ener. CLOEONIDZ, Newman.

Characters of AGRIONINA.

Larva aquatic, breathing by means of an internal abdominal appa-
ratus, which, like the internal gills of fishes, or the external gills
of the Ephemerina, appears to possess the power of abstracting
oxygen from water, which is subsequently expelled through the
anal aperture with a jerk which propels the insect forward, and
seems to constitute its only natatory movement, although it crawls
on mud, stones, and the stems of aquatic plants: it has moderate-
ly long, filiform, 7-jointed antenne, corneous mandibles, and a
remarkable jointed and porrectile labium, with which it seizes the
small aquatic animals which constitute its food: its body is long
and linear, with six legs of moderate length, and three long
flattened caudal appendages : it is carnivorous, and excessively
voracious.

Pupa in figure, habits, and food resembles the larva, but possesses
rudimentary wings.

Imago with short slender antenne, usually but not constantly
7-jointed: transverse hammer-shaped exserted head: round
widely separated lateral eyes: complete manducatory mouth:
atrophied prothorax: cylindrical abdomen: four wings minutely
reticulated and all alike, their shortest diameter near the base,
their longest diameter at three fourths of the distance from the
base to the apex, the increase being uniform throughout, they
are held above the body of the insect when at rest, meeting
each other back to back: legs simple and of uniform length,
tarsi 3-jointed: they walk slowly and awkwardly, fly feebly and
heavily in the sunshine, and continue but a short time on the
wing: feed entirely on living insects: the tarsi are 3-jointed.

clxxxviil Proposed Division of Neuroptera

The Agrionina may be divided according to the subjoined formula.

Those in which the continuity of the costal mar-
gin of the wing is interrupted or broken near
the base, and the costal cells between this
break and the base have scarcely any transverse
ATER, yoo. ossx00s ocanstececan xed UEC sae cons AGRIONIDE, Newm.

non Leach.
Those in which the continuity of the costal margin

of the wing is interrupted or broken at more
than a third of the distance from the base to-
wards the tip, and the costal cells between this
break and the base have very numerous and re-
gular transVerse VEINS, «......sseeses CALEPTERYCIDE, Newm.

Characters of LIBELLULINA.

Larva aquatic, breathing by means of an internal abdominal appa-
- ratus, which appears to possess the power of abstracting oxygen
from water, which is subsequently expelled through the anal
aperture with a jerk; it has rather short filiform antenne, cor-
neous mandibles, and a jointed porrected labium ; its body is
rather robust, and gradually attenuated towards the caudal ex-
tremity, which is furnished with three flattened appendages: it

is carnivorous and excessively voracious.

Pupa in figure very unlike the larva, short, obese, and somewhat
toad-like, its wing-cases large and conspicuous, the abdomen
turned up at the extremity, and furnished with short conical
appendages: habits entirely aquatic, carnivorous, voracious.

Imago with very short and slender antennz, transverse, swbglobose,
exserted head generally occupied exclusively with the enormous —
approximate eyes, and powerful, fully developed mouth, 3 ocelli,
atrophied prothorax, elongate variously formed abdomen; 4
reticulated wings, nearly alike but not quite so, the shortest dia-
meter of the fore, and the longest diameter of the hind wings is
near the base ; all of them are porrected separately and hori-
zontally when at rest, and never meet back to back above the
abdomen; their flight is powerful, rapid, and enduring, their
lives are spent almost entirely on the wing, hawking for insects,
especially over pools and in damp woods; they are excessively
voracious and predatory, seizing their prey on the wing, and
settling for the purpose of devouring it: their tarsi are 3-jointed.

¢ into two Classes. ~ clx xxix

The following formula for dividing the Libellulina into groups, is
proposed as provisional only ; but being founded on the acute obser-
vations of Leach, Van der Linden, Charpentier, Selys de Longchamps,

-Rambur and Brullé, it may be considered as expressing the pres@nt
state of our knowledge of these neglected but remarkably conspicuous
and beautiful insects: they inhabit-every part of the globe, and the
number of species appears to be enormously large.

Labipalpi biarticulate : ocelli in a triangle: — |
Anal angle of hind wings rounded in

BEE SEKCS ow. cscecysescsriscdesas eee LIBELLULIDA, Newm.
non Leach.
Anal angle of hind wings acute in ¢,
V7 CT 1 ih nec CorDULIADA, Newm.
Labipalpi triarticulate : ocelli in a line : —
PUVESICOMUMUOUS 2.45 isicosesssneoeesivicsnose ALSCHNIDE, Newm.
PAGO, SOPALALC acs coneiSinvees sennnxscaed aaa GomPuHipsz, Newm.

Obs. — It will be observed that this and the preceding group are
new, having hitherto been united: but they seem to me distinctly se-
parated, neither am I aware of any species or so-called genera occu-
pying debateable ground between them.

Pd

<

Characters of PERLINA.

Larva aquatic, breathing by external tufted branchie attached to
the leg-bearing segments, with long filiform multiarticulate
antennz, strong corneous mordent mandibles, depressed body,
broad flattened head, and two long multiarticulate caudal sete :
frequents the bottom of clear running streams, secreting itself
under stones, and feeding indiscriminately on all minute aquatic
animals.

Pupa closely resembling the larva in form, habits and food, the only
conspicuous difference that obtains is the prolongation of the
posterior angles of the wing-bearing segments into processes,
evidently containing the future wings of the imago.

Imago with long filiform multiarticulate antenne, corneous masti-
catory mandibles, broad flat head, distant hemispherical eyes,
equally developed leg-bearing segments, 4 membranous recum-
bent but not deflected wings, nearly alike, the hind wings largest
and having the greatest diameter at the base, where they are

XZ APPENDIX. BB

CXC Proposed Division of Neuroptera

longitudinally folded: flight in the evening, laborious, almost
invariably descending ; feeds on insects.

bs.— Almost every entomologist of eminence, and amongst them
Geoffroy, Reaumur, Fabricius, Olivier, Latreille and MacLeay, have
regarded this group as possessing the case-bearing larva and quies-
cent cocooned pupa of the Stegoptera; but my conclusions are drawn
from long and pains-taking observations on the insects themselves,
and are confirmed by the subsequent researches of the accurate Pic-
tet: I cannot therefore doubt of their correctness.
The following formula expresses what we know of the subdivision
of this group.

Imago breathing by external branchiz as

WEMAAA EAC TCT ...41, crrep-nuesssderrcteoyner dees PTERONARCIDA, Newm.
Imago breathing by trachee only : —
amehas Pucandal setes . sci. .scnapicksiareon-vacse PERLID&A, Newm., non
Leach.
ARG MiaS MOLCAUCA SCL. .icaselsecennsdoucl sense de NEMOURIDE, Newm.

Characters of TERMITINA.

Larva and pupa terrestrial, active, hexapod, furnished with powerful
mandibles: social, constructive, voracious, omnivorous.

Imago with moderately long moniliform antennze, depressed head
received in the prothorax, hemispherical small distant lateral
eyes, strong corneous mandibles, fully developed and transverse
prothorax, 4 long membranous wings of equal size and form,
which when at rest are decumbent but not deflected, the hind
pair not folded, abdomen with two minute caudal papille: flies
slowly and laboriously, and rids itself of its wings before found-
ing a new colony ; some authors assert that the wings are arti-
culated to the thoracic segments, and fall off spontaneously at
the articulation; Mr. Davis asserts that he saw the insect bite
off its own wings : tarsi 3- or 4-jointed.

Obs. 1. — These are the white ants, universally known by their ex-
traordinary constructive instincts.

Obs. 2. Relating to the present confusion of the states of larva and
pupa. — In social necromorphous insects, the Formicina for instance,
we have commonly four kinds of imagines or adults, these are perfect
males and females, and imperfect males and females; in these latter,
the progress of development appears to have been arrested at a given
point by a certain law of Nature, which seeks, in these instances, the

into two Classes. cxcl

well-being and preservation of the species, through the labours of the
great mass of individuals, and consequently requires labourers devoted
solely to the task: the two kinds of apterous individuals which perform
the labours of an ants’ nest, are clearly neither more nor less than, the
smaller, imperfect males, the larger, imperfect females. Among social
isomorphous insects, in which the general figure and character is pre-
served from the egg to the imago, and is little more than a gradually
progressive development in size, accompanied by a slight modification
in form after every ecdysis, we have strong reasons for believing that
these four kinds of individuals differ even from the egg, thus giving us
four kinds of larve, four kinds of pups, and four of imagines. Such
being the rationale of the composition of a colony of white ants, such
being a summary of what, by analogy, we are to look for in inspecting
its individuals, there is no just cause for surprise, if when, by analogy,
we may calculate on finding twelve kinds of individuals, we do actu-
ally discover six or eight;. neither is it at all astonishing, that with
these six or eight kinds of individuals we should be unable to pro-
nounce immediately and with certainty on the states of each; that is,
to say that such an individual is the larva of a perfect female, and such
another the pupa of an imperfect male. Latreille tells us that he found
individuals having what he supposed the rudiments of wings attached
to the wing-bearing segments, and that he therefore thought himself
at liberty to conclude that these were pupe, and subsequent authors
have regarded this matter as settled; but we cannot consider this a
sufficient conclusion: in all probability the great majority, as in the
Hymenopterous ants, never attain wings at all, and the pupz of such
apterous imagines consequently possess no rudiments of wings; hence
it follows that Latreille had only discovered one of the forms of pupa,
without settling which. The individuals called by the illustrious au-
thor “ neuters,” and which Smeathman graphically described as “ sol-
diers,” and Fabricius as “ pupz,” and which appear to be as scarcely
one in a hundred to the smaller individuals which perform the labours of
the community, are probably imagines, both male and female, arrested
like the working apterous Hymenopterous ants, while still imperfectly
developed. We are in want of more entomological observations, and
also more philosophical deductions, before these matters can be
finally settled.

The Termitina appear to be capable of division into two minor
groups, by the length of their wings and the joints of their tarsi, ac-
cording to the following formula.

excl _ Proposed Division of Neuroptera

Wings greatly longer than the body: fore-legs
simple: tarsi 4-jointed .......... SHAE Sitio 008 588 TERMITIDZ, Newm.
non Leach.
Wings no longer than the body : fore-legs di-
lated: tarsi 3-jointed ....... Ss abPRRMbE ea wien vee EMBIADE, Newm.

Characters of Psocina.

Larva generally arboreal, with long setaceous, multiarticulate anten-
nz, exserted head, hemispherical and widely distant eyes, corne-
ous mandibles, narrow but distinct leg-bearing segments, obese
ovate abdomen, with two caudal papille : found on the bark
and leaves of trees, among dried plants in herbaria, on preserved
specimens of insects, among old papers, &c., and feeds on these
various substances.

Pupa resembling the larva in figure, habits, and food, but with
rudimentary wings at the posterior angles of the wing-bearing
segments,

Imago with the antenne, mouth, and general figure of the larva and
pupa, but a narrower prothorax and 4 wings, whereof the ante-
rior pair are ample and variously veined, the hind wings are
smaller, with fewer veins, and slightly folded longitudinally, the
wings are recumbent and deflected, having something of that
roof-like character which distinguishes the Stegoptera: the fe-
male lays her eggs on the leaves and bark of trees, and com-
monly spins a slight web over them by way of protection; they
run with great celerity, fly rarely and awkwardly, and appear to
feed on the same substances as the larva and pupa.

The whole of this group is at present comprised
ED FR AM sos ors oan cM aRMM Ce At ndnncecsas: Psocip&, Leach.

Characters of THRIPSINA.

Larva hexapod, fusiform, and slightly depressed, with inserted head,
lateral and simple eyes, and an equal development of the leg-
bearing segments: feeds on bark, leaves and flowers of plants.

Pupa resembling the larva in figure, habits, and food, it differs in
its slower movements, in the less equal development of the leg-
bearing segments, in having its antenne bent back on the sides
of its head, and in having its wings distinctly visible, attached
in a rudimentary form to their respective segments.

Imago of the same general figure, habits, and food as the preceding

into two Classes. CXCili

states: the head is oblong, the eyes oval, lateral, distant, and
placed very forward in the head; the ocelli are three, and pla-
ced between the eyes; the antenne are moderately long, moni-
liform, and have six or seven very distinct joints: the head,
which is lengthened in front, is bent back towards the proster-
num, and is produced into somewhat of an obtuse rostrum ; all
the parts of the mouth are present, the mandibles being corne-
ous, lengthened, acute, very slender, incurved at the apex, broad
and somewhat swollen at the base; the palpi exhibit no peculi-
arities, and there is not the least trace of the part I have called
“‘salea,” and which is so conspicuous, various, and important
in the Coleoptera and Orthoptera: the prothorax is largely de-
veloped, receiving the head; the meso- and metathorax are sol-
dered together: the wings are four, membranous, almost veinless,
exactly alike, and fringed with long silky hairs; the legs are mo-
derately long and simple, the profemora sometimes incrassated,
the tarsi 2-jointed, rather swollen and without claws. ‘These in-
sects are minute, and infest in countless thousands the blossoms
of Dahlias, Fuchsias, and other cultivated plants, often entirely
destroying their beauty : one species is particularly injurious to
wheat in some seasons, but its ravages fortunately are not common.
They are so abundant throughout the summer, that it is almost
impossible to shake a flower of any kind over a sheet of white
paper, without procuring them: they rarely fly, and their flight
is laborious and of brief duration.

Obs. 1.— Mr. Haliday, whose invaluable and highly philosophical
papers on Entomology, published in the ‘ Entomological Magazine,’
stamp him as one of the first, if not the very first of living entomolo-
gists, regards the Linnean genus Thrips as a group of insects equiva-
lent in its distinctness to Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, &c., and
assigns it the name of Thysanoptera: yet Mr. Walker, although no one
is so thoroughly acquainted with Mr. Haliday’s views, has associated
these insects with the Homopterous Hemiptera. To differ from two
authors so justly celebrated, would almost be tantamount to declaring
myself in error, were it not that their views are so dissimilar; this
circumstance may serve as an apology for differing from either, and
therefore equally so for differing from both. It may at the same time
be allowable to state, that although the observations of Haliday threw
the first light, and a flood of light it was, on the structure and classifi-
cation of these minute creatures, yet his materials were so limited, and

CXClV Proposed Division of Neuroptera )

so very much restricted geographically, that we are compelled to con-
sider the study of the Thripsina as still in its infancy.

The following formula, copied from the fourth part of Mr. Walker’s
‘List of the Homopterous Insects in the British Museum,’ exhibits
the views entertained by Mr. Haliday of a systematic arrangement of
these insects.

Terebra foeminis

OTe etn cal obngtlte iiastav sco pins sd oon adens «dn uspbiairtttla Fam. 1. TUBULIFERA.
ocelli |
PECR. OIICMS ISLAND S.2<......043 excdepesiensreges Gen. 1. [DOLOTHRIPS.
tres, equidistantes (aut obsoleti) ... 4, 2. PHLG@oOTHRIPS.
OANA TAS BCME 0.0.0: n00nesscunksureelvcedach Fam. 2. TEREBRANTIA.
a es ca cans ons nacersogvurbrapiaisl aes Tr. 1. STENOPTERA.
antennz apice
SATE a sn po 0ozenrnesi sat seppmsaiby deyht Gen. 3. HELIOTHRIPs.
stylate : abdomen
BMPS 5 cons Lossccsrsiappps deksuben », 4. SERICOTHRIPS.
CT) a os a ae » oO. THRIPS.
antennez apicula
PAL or cvt.e. dicaceeal mit st ees Sub-gen. 1. APTINOTHRIPS.
discreta; prothorax apice
valde angustatus ............ »» 3. CHIROTHRIPS.

parum attenuatus :
abdomen dorso
efoveolatum ............ » 2 LiMOTHRIPS.
seriatim foveolatum
apicula pro ratione
articuli 6ti

brevis jade » 4. THRIPs.
elongata: jwrn treet » 0. BELOTHRIPS.
POGUE UE Se eiaeis Mindi: sp: -+>s0>-0nasgnevengipehauene Tr. 2. COLEOPTRATA.
antennze
articulisD Misoretis ........:.scrdesspsbandece Gen. 6. MELANTHRIPS.
articulis 5 citra apiculam................ » %. ASOLOTHRIPS.
BAGS COTM aioe» s..+..sssaieendaothees Sub-gen. 1. COLEOTHRIPS.
alarum rudimenta tantum ........... » 2 ALLEOTHRIPS.

Obs. 2.—I beg to offer the following reasons for placing the Thrip-
sina in the class Neuroptera : —

First. — Those naturalists who either extend their systems to the

whole of animated nature, or confine them to the typical group,

into two Classes. CXcv

the vertebrated animals, invariably seek to include all animals,
however aberrant, in one or other of the primary divisions: we
occasionally see much ingenuity exhibited in settling the ques-
tion to which division an animal belongs; for instance, Orni-
thorhynchus, Lepidosiren, Pterodactylus, Deinotherium, Ich-
thyosaurus, have all afforded scope for argumentative writing in
this way: entomologists would unhesitatingly have ranked these
as primary groups of vertebrated animals, equivalent to mam-
mals, birds, reptiles and fishes; but it seems to me that the ge-
neral zoologists are right in considering to which established
group such abnormal forms can be referred, rather than in cre-
ating new groups purposely to receive them. Applying the
same reasoning to insects, I think we ought to inquire to what
established entomological group an aberrant species or genus
belongs, rather than to create a new group purposely for its re-
ception. Assuming then that Thrips is referrible to an esta-
blished group, we have next to consider to what group it is
referrible.

Secondly. — The metamorphosis of Thrips is totally different from
that of Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and
Stegoptera; it agrees tolerably well with that of Orthoptera and
Hemiptera, and is positively identical with what we know of
that of the Perlina, Psocina, and Termetina among the Neuro-
ptera.

Thirdly.—The structure of the mouth absolutely forbids its associ-
ation with the Hemiptera or Orthoptera, but differs no more
from that of Neuroptera, than those of the divisions of Neuro-
ptera do among themselves: for instance, than the Perlina do
from the Agrionina, the Psocina from the Perlina, the Epheme-
rina from all the rest: the mandibles, considered so anomalous,
are almost exactly similar to those of Corydalis cornuta in the
Stegoptera, which no one has ever attempted to separate from
its congeners.

Fourthly. — The perfect similarity of the fore and hind wings in
Thrips is characteristic of Neuroptera, and especially of the
Agrionina and Termitina, and is totally at variance with what
obtains in all other classes.

On these grounds I have no hesitation in expressing my decided

conviction that the Thripsina form an integral part and a primary sec-
tion of the Neuroptera.

excvl Proposed Division of Neuroptera

~ Characters of PANoRPINA.

Larva unknown. |

Pupa necromorphous: a single individual (of Panorpa) has been
figured by Stein in Weigmann’s ‘ Archives.’

Imago with long, setaceous, many-jointed antenne; lateral, distant,

. hemispherical eyes; and the head produced into a long, deflex-

ed beak, bearing the mouth at the extremity, as in the Curcu-
lionina.

This group may be divided in accordance with the following formula.
Ocelli 3, placed in a triangle between the

CR EE saissns vous oe soda mnaslich Oats asenser ncaa PanorPipz, Newm.
Ocelh 0: — |

Wings porrected when at rest, greatly

dissimilar, fore-wings ample, much

reticulated, hind-wings lengthened to

four times the length of the body,

BING IMO CtLY TINCAT noes ssc ennesosr seed axsuates NEMOPTERIDA, Newm.
Wings when at rest deflexed, ample, re-

PICMMMECISSATOILAL ..... cops -vcarasrAancenseenene MERoPESIDA, Newm.
Wings rudimentary only ...........008 pipaenss Boreip&, Steph.

Obs. 1—The Panorpide are divided into two genera, Panorpa and
Bittacus ; they are closely allied, but the latter is distinguishable at
once by its greatly lengthened legs and wings.

Obs. 2.—The family Meropesidz, founded on the genus Merope, is
nearly allied to the Boreidz, with which it would readily associate but
for its ample and normal wings. It isa native of North America, and
has the Stegopterous character of roof-like wings, which in the Pa-
norpide and Nemopteridz is not perceptible.

Characters of RAPHIDIINA.

Larva elongate, slow, much resembling in figure that of many Cole-
optera, but having the meso- and metathorax more restricted :
the mandibles are corneous and acutely toothed; the antenneze
are very short and 3-jointed, and, together with the strong curved
legs, exhibit many analogies with those of certain Coleoptera :
it burrows in the dead bark of trees, never leaving the gallery
which it excavates; hence it may be inferred that it feeds on the
dead bark, but entomologists have concluded, from the structure
of the mandibles, that it is carnivorous: if so, it is the only in-
stance on record of a carnivorous larva forming galleries.

into two Classes. CXCVil

Pupa necromorphous: the antenne reflected and immovable, but
the legs distinct from the body, and said to be used in walk-
ing; having only seen it in spirits, I cannot confirm this: wings
rudimental, but very apparent, folded over the hind legs, an
arrangement which seems altogether opposed to the alleged
power of walking: it changes in the galleries formed by the
larvz, and is not enveloped in a cocoon.

Imago with an ovate head narrowed behind, and long narrow pro-
thorax, articulated loosely so as to admit of an easy snake-like
motion of the head and neck, whence the specific name of ophi-
opsis: eyes hemispherical, lateral, very distant: antenne fili-
form, many-jointed ; mandibles strong, corneous, curved, and
sharply toothed: meso- and metathorax short, transverse, much
broader than the prothorax: abdomen soft, terminating, in the
females, in a falciform ovipositor: legs simple, almost precisely
resembling those of pseudo-tetramerous Coleoptera, the basal
joint being long, the second very much shorter, the third deeply
cleft and produced into two large lobes, the fourth very short
and placed in the cleft, and the fifth moderately long and of or-
dinary form: not uncommon in dry woods, and supposed to
feed on insects.

I am only acquainted with one genus, Ra-
phidia, forming the family .............. RaPHIDIADA, Newm.,

Rapuipip#&, Leach.

Characters of MANTISPINA.

Larva and pupa unknown.

Imago with short many-jointed antenne, slightly thickened towards
the tip; corneous acute curved mandibles; broad transverse head ;
distant hemispherical eyes, occupying nearly the whole of each
lateral surface ; long, narrowed, and often transversely furrowed
prothorax ; elongate raptorial fore-legs ; broad transverse meso-
thorax ; narrow transverse metathorax ; large and conspicuous
propodeon; simple middle and hind legs; soft, moderately long,
slightly incrassated abdomen, unprovided with any processes
at its extremity: wings alike, roof-like, transparent, glittering,
beautifully reticulated, no portion of them folded.

These insects may at present be included in the single family,
MANTISPIDZ, Newm.

XI. APPENDIX. CC

ex¢cviil Proposed Division of Neuroptera

Obs. — It remains a matter for future consideration, whether tlie
Raphidiina and Mantispina should be united: to me there appear
many points of resemblance between them, but others of decided
difference ; indeed, the more attentively the anatomy of Raphidia is
studied, the more closely will it be found to approach the Coleoptera ;
while Mantispa, especially in its raptorial fore-legs, exhibits a like
approach to the Maniina among the Orthoptera: this different ten-
dency induces me to continue them separate.

Characters of MYRMELEONTINA.*

Larva short, obese, inactive, with a flat head and oval body ; the
antenne are short and setiform; the mandibles long, toothed,
and slightly curved, perfectly adapted to seizing their living
insect prey; along the sides of the body are fasciculi of stiff
bristles, amounting to a regular fringe in one of the families
(Ascalaphide). These larve, under the familiar name of “ ant-
lions,” or some equivalent for that term, have been celebrated
in all ages for their instinctive habit of exeavating pitfalls, in
the shape of an inverted cone, at the bottom of which they lie
concealed all but the mandibles, awaiting the arrival of their
prey, which having once fallen over the side of the excavation,
cannot maintain a footing on the light sand of which its sides
are composed, but gradually descends (the sand giving way
beneath its feet) to the very bottom, where it is seized by the
rapacious larva lying in wait to receive it; its juices are sucked
out, and the empty skin is thrown to a considerable distance by
the muscular exertion of the ant-lion. The larva of Ascalaphus
is not generally supposed to make an excavation, but it lies in
wait amid sand or light earth, in the same manner as that of
Myrmeleon: some few of the Myrmeleontes are also aberrant
in this respect.

Pupa strictly necromorphous, bearing no resemblance to the larva,
than which it is remarkably smaller, and the head and tail are
bent towards each other, so as nearly to meet; in some of the
species it is contained in a spherical cocoon of silk interspersed
with grains of sand; in this it changes to the imago, and the
head escaping first from the shell of the pupa, gnaws with its

* Myrmecoleon, and not Myrmeleon, ought certainly to have been the name of the
genus ; but I cannot agree with Burmeister in thinking we are at liberty to alter it :
such a liberty would re-open questions Tong since supposed to be decided.

into two Classes. cxcilx

newly acquired mandibles ‘a hole through the wall of the cocoon,
through which the imago passes, leaving the shell of the pupa
still projecting from the aperture: it is a common belief that
the pupa gnaws this opening, but this is not the case, the pu-
pa having no command whatever over its cibarian apparatus.

Imago without the slightest resemblance to the larva, and scarcely
any to the pupa; its head is transverse, and its antenne gene-
rally incrassated outwardly, although in some Myrmeleontes
almost filiform ; its mandibles are corneous, curved, and mor-
dent; its body long, slender, and cylindrical; and its wings of
uniform size and shape, and finely reticulated.

The contents of this group seem to be capable of subdivision in

accordance with the following formula.

_ Antenne abruptly capitate : —
of nearly the same length as the wings,

Fiyes ‘divided "02.400... i202 0088 ASCALAPHIDA, Newm.
Kyes undivided _............. veekd iy eae HAPLOGLENIIDEZ, Newm.
of nearly the same length as the head, STILBoPTERICIDEZ, Newm.
Antenne gradually clavate, short, ............ MyYRMELEONTIDA, Nwm.

Obs. 1.— The Ascalaphide are divided by M. Rambur into the ge-
nera Ascalaphus, Theleproctophylla, Puer, Bubo, Ulula, and Colobo-
pterus: after a careful examination of the characters employed by this
Jearned entomologist, I. feel considerable hesitation in adopting them
as indicative of more than specific differences. I may perhaps be par-
doned for objecting also to names previously used in a sister science.

Obs. 2.— The Haplogleniide are divided by the same entomologist
into the genera Byas, Haploglenius, and Azesia, the latter comprising
but a single species, the Azesia Napoleo of Lefebvre, described and
figured in Guérin’s ‘ Magasin de Zool.’ Ann. 1842, Ins. p. 92; but
this very striking insect, truly the emperor of its tribe, had been previ-
ously described by myself, under the name of Stilbopteryx marginatus
(see Ent. Mag. v. 399, under date of 1838), and the name had for
three years been employed in all our collections: I have regarded it as
forming a distinct group.

Obs. 3. — The Myrmeleontide are divided by Rambur into four
genera, Palpares, Acanthoclisis, Myrmeleon, and Megistopus, and the
genus Myrmeleon is again subdivided into fourteen sections.

cc Proposed Division of Neuroptera

Characters of HEMEROBIINA.

Larva long, flattened, with a rather flat head; short setiform anten-
ne; long, curved, large and distinct leg-bearing segments: it
comes from a very peculiar egg, deposited by the parent on the
leaves of trees, to which it is attached by a long foot-stalk : it
feeds on Aphides, vast numbers of which it consumes, and hence
has obtained the name of Aphis-lion.

Pupa strictly necromorphous, bearing some resemblance. to the lar-
va; the head and tail are bent towards each other, thus forming
a sort of semicircle; it is inclosed in a nearly spherical silken
cocoon, in which it remains motionless throughout the winter.

Imago bearing no resemblance to the larva, and very little to the
pupa: it has a small transverse head, with distant hemispheri-
cal eyes, remarkable in the genus Chrysopa for their excessive
golden brilliancy ; moderately long, filiform, multiarticulate
antenne ; acute, corneous, mordent mandibles; four ample,
similar, beautifully reticulated wings; distinct prothorax ; soft
cylindrical body; and moderately long simple legs: they fly
languidly and heavily ; and when irritated or crushed, many of
the species emit a most offensive odour. .

The Hemerobiina may be divided into four principal groups, as

expressed in the following formula.

Ocelli 3 :—

Wings long in proportion to their
breadth, very much resembling the
a lil ec ARR Sah) Ape Stet aE BE, OsMYLIDA, New.

Ocelli 0: —

Antenne setaceous, labrum emarginate Curysopip£, Newm.
Antenne moniliform, labrum entire........ HeMErRoBIIDz, Nem.,
non Leach.

In this division must also be placed a small and very singular in-

sect, the Hemerobius parvulus of Vill. Ent. Linn., which is also the
Phryganea alba of Fab. Ent. Syst., the Malacomyza lactea of Wesm.
Bull. Acad., and the Coniopteryx Tineiformis of Haliday, in Curt.
Brit. Ent. The larva is short and obese, very much like that of the
ant-lion; it is apparently entomophagous, and when full-fed spins a
spherical and perfectly white cocoon, which is generally attached to
the bark of a tree: the pupa is perfectly quiescent, and, like the larva,
short and obese: the imago has multiarticulate filiform antenne, large
lateral eyes, entire labrum, horny acute mandibles, a bifid lacinia to
the maxillz, long slender 5-jointed maxipalpi, a truncate labium, elon-

into two Classes. cel

gated approximate 3-jointed labipalpi, atrophied prothorax, four nearly
equally-sized wings, the lower pair smallest, their nervures following
the formula of Panorpa rather than of Hemerobius, and covered with
a white powder: the legs simple, of moderate size, and the tarsi 5-
jointed, with the penultimate joint bilobed. There are several specific
names in addition to those mentioned above, as Aphidiformis, Psoci-
formis, &c., but whether or not they represent species, I am quite un-
able to say. For this little group I propose the name of
CoNIOPTERYCIDZ, Newm.

Obs. 1.— The genus Psychopsis, at present consisting of the single
species, Psychopsis mimica, a most lovely insect from New Holland,
which has every appearance of the clear-winged Pieride among but-
terflies, must for the present be placed with the Hemerobiidz.

Obs. 2. — Other forms of Hemerobiina remain to be characterized :
it is possible that Aleyrodes may find its affinities with Coniopteryx
rather than with Aphis.

Characters of CoRYDALINA.

Larva hexapod, active, aquatic, with short slender antenne, corne-
ous toothed mordent mandibles, soft figshy body, and a series
of remarkable articulated false legs, a pair of which is attached,
as in the larve of the Lepidoptera and the Tenthredinina, to each
segment of the abdomen; these are evidently natatory organs,
and although all authors seem to agree that they are also respi-
ratory organs, like the external branchie of the Ephemerina,
this must not be taken for granted: the appendages in the two
groups are totally different; in the Corydalina being slender,
cylindrical, quinque-articulate antenneform organs, without any
external indication of respiratory functions : although aquatic,
this larva is able to live out of water, remaining unchanged for a
long time in its earthy cell, without any indication of that shri-
velling which so quickly attends the respiratory apparatus of the
Ephemerina, causing speedy death: that these organs are con-
nected with respiration is quite possible, but the premises from
which this inference has been drawn are insufficient: there is a
single hairy caudal process.

Pupa strictly necromorphous, perfectly quiescent, but capable of
some motion when touched or irritated, it changes in a spheri-
cal earthen cell, formed with care by the larva in the banks of
streams ; the head and tail are bent, probably like those of the
two preceding groups, to accommodate the insect to the re-
stricted limits of the cell.

ccil Proposed Division of Neuroptera

‘Imago having scarcely any similarity to either larva or pupa, with
transverse head, deeply received into the well-developed pro-
thorax ; the wings are nearly alike, recumbent, and deflected,
numerously veined, but not finely reticulated, the hind-wings
are longitudinally folded.

These insects appear further divisible in accordance with the fol-—

lowing formula.

Ocelli 3: —
Body clothed with hair... esses ITHONESIDEZ, Newm.
Body naked : —
AMUCMIME ME UMDIE: ......:.065-deyrshyoesnselgve CoRYDALIDE, Newm.
Antenne pectinated .......ceseeseeees CHAULIODESIDZ, Nwm.
CI ie Fee ed, ones. dnviaeribeanay debe. S1aLipz, Leach.

Obs. 1.—The Ithoneside appear to be a numerous group, confined
to New Holland. Ithone is the only genus described, but there are
many species, and these very dissimilar, and likely to be generically
subdivided when we become better acquainted with the entomological
productions of the wonderful country in which they are found.

Obs. 2.—In this division must also be placed, at least provisionally,
the curious Spanish infect, Dilar Nevadensis of Rambur, which has
much the appearance of a Hemerobius, but the male has pectinated
antenne, and the female a very long exserted ovipositor: the antennz
of the male are rather longer than the body, and have twenty-six arti-
culations, each of which is furnished with a single long branch at its
extremity, these gradually increase in length from the base to the tenth
articulation, and from this decrease to the tip. The mouth has not
been examined, and the economy is entirely unknown. Not being
able to associate this insect with any other division of the Corydalina,
I propose to institute the division ..........cceeee DiLaripz, Newm.

Characters of PHRYGANEINA.*

Larva aquatic, much resembling in figure that of the Lepidopterous
genus Psyche; the head is small, without antennz, and having
corneous mordent mandibles; the leg-bearing segments are of
equal development, and have a coriaceous skin ; the legs are
short ; the abdominal segments are covered with a soft skin,
and are inclosed in a case constructed of extraneous materials,
after the manner of the genus Psyche and other sacktrdgers

* T think the name of the genus should have veen Phryganodes, i. €., consisting of
fragments of twigs, or like a little bundle of dry twigs, and the group would in that
case have been Phryganodeina : the terminatign I have given I am aware is unclassical.

into tivo Classes. ccili

among the Lepidoptera: in this case they reside at the bottom
of running streams; they feed principally on decaying leaves
and other vegetable substances which fall into the water, but
also, as proved by Pictet, on other aquatic larve: they are sup-
posed to breathe by means of external abdominal filaments,
which, in some of the species, are separate and very conspicu-
ous, in others they are grouped in bundles, but their office is
rather assumed than proved.

Pupa necromorphous: when arrived at its full growth, the larva
spins, by means of an oval spinneret like that of the silk-worm,
an open net across both ends of the case, and this allows the
pupa, which possesses the same (supposed respiratory) filaments
as the larva, to breathe by separating oxygen from the water
which passes freely through the case; the posterior extremity is
firmly attached to some stick, stone, or other substance, at the

bottom of the stream: in figure the pupa closely resembles the

~ imago, all its limbs being discernible: when the time arrives for
its assuming the imago state, the mandibles are first liberated
from their investing membrane, and with these it gnaws ari open-
ing in the net-work at the anterior extremity of the case, and its
specific gravity being less than that of water, it soon emerges
altogether from the case, and rising to the surface there floats,
until propelled by the casualties of winds or currents to the shore,
when, by means of its liberated fore-legs, it crawls up a twig,
a blade of grass, a stone, or other convenient object, and there
completes its metamorphosis.

Imago with small exserted head; very long, filiform, multiarticu-
late antenne ; distinct, lateral, hemispherical eyes ; three epi-
cranial ocelli; the palpi long, porrected, and conspicuous ; the
other cibarian organs mere rudiments; the prothorax atrophied ;
the wings dissimilar, almost revolute, of nearly equal size, the
hind wings folded longitudinally ; the legs long, the tibiz spur-
red; the body and wings covered with hair, and the entire figure
and habit resembling the Tineina amongst Lepidoptera: the
flight is generally slow, in the eyening, and fora short distance ;
the life short ; the food none.

This group is the only one amongst the Stegoptera which has been
thoroughly worked: the task has been admirably executed by M.
Pictet, of Geneva. The following formula, although based on cha-
racters of the larva and pupa, is confirmed and supported by those
of the imago. : 3

cciv Proposed Division of Neuroptera into two Classes.

Larva residing in a movable case, which is
carried on its body as a snail carries
its shell : —

Case opening in a circle : —
Thoracic segments rounded : —
Supposed organs of respiration

single, filamentous. ............+.. PHRYGANEIDZ, Newm.
Supposed organs of respiration in |
bundles : —
Hind legs lon gic. scccescsecseccesvervene Mystacipip&, Newm.
Firmg@i legs, Short. cressasisencysccivensf-o SERICOSTOMIDA, Steph.
Thoracic segments with the front an-
BSI C....03's cones ener snr cheoanstanans TRICHOSTOMIDE, Newm.
Case opening with a Slit......ecsssesseresoee HyprRoprTiLip&, Steph.
Larva residing in a fixed case : —
Pupa in a double envelope.............se0c00 RHYACOPHILIDA, Steph.

Pupa inclosed in a single envelope .... Hypropsycuip®, Steph.

From this analytical view of the contents of the two proposed class-
es, it results : —

1. That there is no difficulty in defining the limits of each, and no
genera occupy debateable ground between them.

2. That there is no discrepancy in the numerical contents ; that is,
that their divisions and subdivisions, as families, genera, and species,
nearly correspond.

3. That in the distinctive characters laid down, that of metamor-
phosis is employed as imperative in all other instances in the science
of Entomology, and therefore, that its employment as imperative in
the present instance, is no innovation, nor any deviation from an ac-
cepted law of the science.

4, That the divisions flow naturally into each other as now arran-
ged, whereas in all arrangements where the fourteen minor groups are
treated as parts of a single major group, and arranged in accordance
with structure only, there are perpetual violations of Nature: groups
are approximated that have only a single character in common, and
others dissevered that are all but identical.

Under such circumstances, I cannot entertain a doubt that the
classes Neuroptera and Stegoptera will hereafter be received as es-
sential component parts of all systems of Entomology.

‘ EDWARD NEWMAN.
September, 1852.

Bris! ay

P > ly ’ , 7

" A ip te haw
my re Ay
it

‘ i}

q
pee
t

'

1

-

"]

W

MY
Wy
¥

ww

v
vi
yy!"
d

A \ hal
wy

Vgw
ONY,

wea
4 \
v

VV
Y
/
v
v
\

.
WY.

Wites
¥
\A\
Vi
heh
ie
By
Wy
Wey

ie
Wy
V
Ween
Vey
Mi \ |
&
ed
y
¥
v

Wess
v
wAIMVAY
¥

WY:

D> DID> DVD D>>-
» 1 37> > >

(

eb iada
U
V
WV
y,
¥
WY
WY
wuey
iyvvyyew

WY
Wivbe
Ny
Y
V
wes
Wye
wy

Vv
y
N
vV

/

|
v
|
Ne
Y
a

- », ;

Vy
¥
o

VY
ah
VW
Y
Y

w

MS
WA Wir \
YY
as
v

aw
vive
Wy

LS

W
“y
wY¥

ug

V
Yi 43 5\ i

&

toads ~ aug ee
iW, Din, An eth 4
oat Pee gh \-
ayn ty
RY ie ag
‘
%

pea awn
i aha S

Nie

Vi
Vv

v

egy ee <4 a |
WY

y

ay

wy
y;

yi
MOU

= jf Nay
wie
MM
y
¥

VV

Vig ie

a

jg y
SS baa VM het
Vou 4

eee
\V

V
y
Y
V
NY
y

Man wi
WV
yy
yy
g
VY
iw)
pL Se Me v
\ v
ie ¥
WU eiciyW ¥
wy | ww i
4 Nd
vy

ve
Y
y
chy
Wy
y

NIVEA
Wyte

/
y
Fy.
vi A tii a
Jy eM
¥ y

A ran
he SAR

v
AA v ain
ceav ie
‘ sh dake tet
MCL ol
Nv) NS;
vue ue
‘ /
y Y
wi)
Wey
eas wy)
Way’
Avie V
YO EGS y
NA,
vu WWLy

AS) \ Ba ‘
VY | f J
Ly
Y
La
V)
K
\ ] ‘ \
~
ae Ws
y S, *
v a MESO
~)\ “ss es

'

¥

Vi

)

Y

te UMN

: Ww

\

¥
Ne

VW
vv

v¥
Wows
Wwe

V

v

¥

Vie NAV

¥v

Lv
Y
vel
Be A CVS
weeuuve
Wi aVG
Vv y | piv ;
¥ V
Vig
UW
ey
)
v
ae
Vv

¥
Wyt\g¥
Vy NUN
chy

wy
re
Vie hy
VJ
vv
V
Vi
y
NV)
Vv
ww
iW Mis
AW} i
city
V
¥
Va"
eye
Vv

&
¥
y
Bi VM
jV¥e Si) iS NS

>
> a

M
i
at
W

wiry

V av,
PNG A BNA
yyy

ee =A =

Wy
\v
y
iv
.]
V

3 i BYE
‘ he
y
Vv
ae
Wie
y
v
¥
i

jw
/y

|

|

>
<
oc
re un)
4

il

10007

€ ae. SS CO a ee ae ea, Ca.
PC CEE RR RE EE CE
CMC CORO CO QC Wan EEE KCCm eS SEK
a CE CREE. 0 EC ERE KQeCe Cee | :
CC i eceeee. p RC Mace ear <c « Se KOC eS SES
Na CC EC < EC (CECEE ; ee e Gi Oe = = KC KG ie ad ane ASS. < aeX Cea a i eae = << . Gn care co
CC EERE CE e PS SO, CCG MC
EOE ’
P ECE KK
CC EOE ETE «
Qo i Sa ER
COCEE « Bee. =
Ree ee. | eR EEC. LE
OCC, CCE CEE KORE Li
CEE RR EE eae g
CEEOL CME CE
ies QO CELE C
HEMEL

COE. CEE
SL | MERE EEE

Qe KOE (CE CEE COC EG : Cae Cet sae <
EE EEE COE ene “= ce COLE MKC EC EK Ca
KC CKEG] C CC Ec > EEC: ca ae: <G CEC aace ea ee a Paes Cc > && << g CC r <n

ae Ss San ty. NS Go. < C4 > Se oe “G CEC € C4 2) SS SNA ese TN. SI
CO QE KEKE OC EO CE OOS OEE COE CE EEE CO CE
CARE | SE a « CQEES OCC OE CEE CE :
| KO CO EC Co MRE oe Ce | Ce Carey gene
ee eee MG KCC ae
ESS eG “
Ke CC “¢ x = C
— < i < ~ or: Cg
KCC Kee C

|

|

|

F SCIENC

il O

|

|

3 1853

EEK EK CK 7
(CE Gl G EO EKE COCECE 6 << AS d
ee os CE C <i < EES ie a eee — 3

|

|

CALIF A

@
ML

MEE CEC KK

CLEC GORGE « Ga

“er KK aes J