386 the president's address. 



For several years I have been working at this subject, and long 

 ago I saw the phagocytes invading the muscles of the larva. I can 

 entirely confirm all Kowalevski's observations, both with regard to 

 the histolysis of the larval tissues and the development of the 

 alimentary canal of the imago. In some few points, however, I 

 think it probable that my ultimate conclusions may differ from his. 

 I am, however, now engaged in revising this portion of my forth- 

 coming work by the light of Kowalevski's discoveries. 



In this address I have only touched upon many points, and I have 

 only mentioned some of those works which appear to me to occupy the 

 first place. I have of necessity passed over many important papers 

 in silence. I have at present nearly three hundred slips of reference 

 to various papers on insect anatomy, physiology, and development, 

 most of which I have read, some few I have still to read. There is 

 one work, however, which I would refer to before I conclude. It is 

 M. Knnkel de Hercnlais' splendid, but unfortunately unfinished, 

 monograph on the Genus Volucella. The plates are most beautiful, 

 and it is greatly to be regretted that the letterpress was never com- 

 pleted. It was published in Paris in 1875, in parts, the plates 

 preceding the letterpress. I know of no drawing representing any 

 insect structure on so large a scale with such accuracy of detail as 

 M. Kunkel's plate of the proboscis of Volucella. 



I cannot conclude this somewhat technical address without 

 thanking you for re-electing me as your President, and also for 

 the manner in which the Quekett Club have always received 

 everything which I have brought before them. My earliest 

 publications were in your Journal, and the encouragement and 

 support of the Club has been a valuable aid to me on many 

 occasions. 



