336 



Mr. Karop said the difficulty arising from this explanation was that if it 

 only took place as a consequence of the muscular movements, then if the 

 animal was held in one position there would be a suspension of muscular 

 action, and its supply of air would be stopped. 



Mr. Michael thought that when in a state of absolute quiescence there 

 would be very little call for aeration of the blood, though he imagined that 

 absolute quiet was scarcely possible. The involuntary movements of the 

 abdomen and its parts would be sufficient for the purpose, whilst when more 

 rapid movement took place the necessary supply would be increased in pro- 

 portion. In the chrysalis stage very little would probably be required. 



Dr. Matthews asked if there were any muscles demonstrable as being en- 

 gaged in the processes of respiration ? 



Mr. Michael did not think that any person had ever demonstrated the 

 existence of a muscular coating, and as to other special muscles, the pro- 

 bability was that the trachea? of two different specimens of the same insect 

 would not lie in the same place. In reply to a question from Mr. Hardy, 

 Mr. Michael said that the blood was not contained in capillaries, uniting an 

 arterial and venous system. 



The thanks of the meeting were unanimously voted to Mr. Michael for his 

 communication . 



The President intimated that the Secretary of the Lambeth Field Club had 

 invited the assistance of the members of the Quekett Microscopical Club on 

 the occasion of a Soiree arranged to be held on January 7th, at St. Phillip's 

 Schools. 



Announcements of meetings, &c, for the ensuing month were then made, 

 and the proceedings terminated with the usual conversazione, and the follow- 

 ing objects were exhibited : — 



Section of Aloe ... ... ... ... ... Mr. F. W. Andrews. 



Mr. H. Epps. 



„ Spirorbis nautiloides 

 Acarus, Myobia sp. from Mole ... 

 Raphides in Lemna trisulca 

 Lung of Spider, Tegenaria domestica ... 

 Eggs of parasite of Toucan 

 Section of petiole of Eucalyptus globulus 

 Gerris (Skater) ... 



Mr. H. E. Gregory. 

 Mr. G. E. Mainland. 

 Mr. A. D. Michael. 

 Mr. C. Le Pelley. 

 Mr. J. W. Reed. 

 Mr. A. W. Stokes. 



Attendance — Members 45 ; Visitors 2. 



