OF WASHINGTON. 29 
Mr. Schwarz exhibited specimens of Epicczrus imbricatus 
and stated that this Otiorhynch^d beetle has been very abundant 
early this spring under stones along the Potomac river. All 
specimens still possessed the mandibular appendages, thus show- 
ing that they were freshly hatched. One specimen illustrated the 
process of losing these appendages. They do not break oft' in 
one piece, but the basal third remains attached to the mandibles 
and must be lost at a later time. 
Mr. Schwarz, referring to the hibernation of Rhagiumlineatum 
as imago under pine bark, stated that this mode of hibernation, as 
exemplified by this and some other Cerambycidae, as well as some 
other insects, differs from what ought to be considered as the true 
hibernation of the imago. The true hibernation as imago takes 
place in insects which have moved about and taken food in the 
course of the previous summer or fall, and which have then, upon 
the approach of cold weather, or sooner, sought out, and gone 
into suitable winter quarters. In the case of this Rhagium the 
imago hatches in the place prepared by the larva. It is born in 
its winter quarters and remains therein in a dormant state until 
spring. 
JUNE 4, 1885. 
Five persons present. President Riley in the chair. 
Mr. Howard remarked upon his experience regarding the edi- 
bility of the Periodical Cicada. He hacl continued the experi- 
ments begun by Dr. Riley. the latter having been called away 
from town. With the aid of the Doctor's cook he had prepared 
a plain' stew, a thick milk stew and a broil. The Cicadas were 
collected just as they emerged from the pupa and were thrown 
into cold water, in which they remained over night. They were 
cooked the next morning and served at breakfast-time. They 
imparted a distinct and not unpleasant flavor to the stews, but 
were not at all palatable themselves as they were reduced to noth- 
ing but bits of flabby skin. The broil lacked substance. The 
most palatable method of cooking is to fry in batter, when they 
reminded one of shrimps. They will never prove a delicacy. 
Dr. Riley related some of his observations made this season on 
the Periodical Cicada, dwelling more particularly on the follow- 
