OF WASHINGTON. 207 
own notice, of extreme abundance of Colias and Vanessa in 
France. When the food-plant grows scarce a tendency to mi- 
grate is generally shown. He has noticed large migrations of 
Anosia plcxippus, leaving Manitoba in the fall and returning in 
the spring. 
Mr. Schwarz suggested that the swarm noticed by Mr. Marlatt 
might correspond to the swarms of gnats which are so often seen. 
Dr. Fox mentioned seeing a large number of the Anosia cross- 
ing a large pond northward, early in September. They were 
evidently flying 'with the wind. 
Prof. Riley mentioned having seen several specimens at the sea- 
coast attempting to fly inland against high winds for many hours 
at a time, with but short rests. 
Mr. Schwarz said that the swarming in Coleoptera always oc- 
curred on sultry evenings, and the beetles usually let themselves 
go with the wind. 
As an instance of migratory instinct, Prof. Riley called attention 
to the spring migration of the earth-worm as showing the same 
trait. 
Mr. Smith mentioned having noticed in an entomological jour- 
nal the capture in England of Mamestra chenopodii, an Ameri- 
can variety. He thought this was an error, and that a continental 
variety closely resembling the American form was that to which 
it should be referred.* 
Prof. Riley had seen specimens in the British Museum corre- 
sponding to the variety referred to. 
APRIL 4, 1889. 
Ten persons present. President Schwarz in the chair. 
The Publication Committee reported that Vol. I, No. 3, of the 
Proceedings had been issued, and the first copies distributed on 
March 30, 1889. 
Mr. M. L. Linell was elected as an active member of the Soci- 
ety.- The following communication was then read : 
*See Ent. Mo. Mag., v. 25, 1889, p. 228. 
