240 THE QUERIST. 



perfectly safe, and could be very conveniently viewed. These tubes were fixed to square 

 tablets by means of India-rubber bands. He also laid on the table a list of British Marine 

 Shells, which he had compiled from the splendid work on British Shells, by Forbes and 

 Hanley. 



Mr. T. Allis exhibited four very fine specimens of the rare Moth '(Folia occulta,) one of 

 which he had taken at Doncaster, two he had received from Perthshire, and one from 

 Cumberland. Also, a pair of the scarce Cnephasia bellana, from Cumberland; also, three of 

 Plitsia bractea, from Cumberland and Cheshire. 



On the table were several books, which the committee had bought for the use of the 

 members, and to form the nucleus of a library of practical books. Among them were Dr. 

 Johnston's British Zoophytes; Forbes' British Star- fishes; Landsborough's Bi-itish Sea "Weeds; 

 and Babington's British Botany. Much satisfaction was expresssed by the members present, at 

 this commencement of a library, and hopes were expressed that soon other valuable books 

 might be added. After some general conversation the meeting separated. 



Entomological Society. — The usual monthly meeting of this society was held on Monday 

 evening, October 6th., 1851. — J. 0. "Westwood, Esq., President, in the chair. 



John Curtis, Esa., F. L. S., and Captaix H. C. Lodder, were elected members of the 

 society. 



Ma. S. Stevens exhibited a fine scries of the hitherto very rare Heliophobus hispida, taken 

 sitting on rocks in the Isle of Portland; also a new species of Eiipithecia, from Dover. 



Mr. E. Shepherd exhibited a series of a new species of Feronea, reared from larvce found 

 on Spirtea ulmaria. 



Mr. Weir exhibited a specimen of Gelechia centiginosclla, reared from larva3 found on Genista 

 tinctoria. 



Mr. Janson exhibited some beautiful Coleoptera, from the Himalaya. 



Mr. White made some observations on "Albin's History of British Spiders," and remarked 

 that many of the descriptions were copied verbatim from Dandi-idge's manuscripts, and without 

 any acknowledgment, whereby Dandridge had been deprived of the entomological reputation' to 

 which he was justly entitled. Mr. TNTiite also made some observations on Latreille, from which 

 Mr. J. E. Gray dissented, and considerable discussion ensued. 



€liB (^mm\. 



Will Ichneumons pierce Insects in the pupa stoAef — In reply to this query, some years ago, while 

 collecting in Botany Bay wood, on Chat Moss, I was rather startled on hearing a strange sound 

 from among the dry leaves scattered on the ground, (especially as Vipers are not uncommon 

 there.) On looking closely, I perceived it came from an Ichneumon, in the act of piercing a 

 leaf. On seizing it, I was delighted to have ocular proof that they will attach pupm : the leaf 

 contained a pupa, wliich next season produced Acronycta rumicis. I believe few entomologists 

 have witnessed the above: it is the only instance I have met with during several years 

 collecting. — E. S. Edleston, Manchester, November 5th., 1851. 



Can any of your readers say, for a certainty, how long the different species of Gulls are before 

 they assume the full plumage? I was told of a Greater Black-backed Gull being kept three 

 years and there was no change of plumage. . My opinion is that they change their plumage to 

 full, when they are three years old. — J. Farr. 



Stag's Horns. — I should be extremely glad if any of your correspondents could funiish me 

 with a recipe for preserving the rich bro\vn colour of the Horns of the Moose, and others of the 

 Deer tribe ; or restoring them to their freshness when bleached by time ; can they be dyed ; or 

 would a dark spirit varnish do? — C. J. W. 



The Geographical Distribution of our native Water-lilies is by no means well ascertained, and 

 I should therefore feel much obliged by any of your readers communicating their observations of 

 our three native species in different parts of Britain and Ireland. — G. G. 



