ON BUTTERFLY AND MOTH SCALES. 1C)9 



EXPLANATION OF TLATE XIV. 



Figs. 1 and 2 represent the hraarl margins seen in s])ider lines and glass 

 threads under small apertures, which narrow as the apertures 

 are increased. 



,, 3 ic- a very precise drawing of a burst-open scale in which the 

 minute beading is beautifully represented (after Nature), which 

 I here term embossed Villi, Ziigccna Trignnilla. 



,, 4 shows the effect of pressure. The Villi, formerly erect outside 

 the scale, are here demonstrated as flattened down. Zijyitna. 

 TriyonilUi. 



,, 5 displays a very rec/((?n:/(t'' definition of Molecular beading, about 

 1-90, 000th of an inch in diameter, under a power of 2,100 

 diameters, abounding in minute spherules defined by their 

 sharp outlines or test rings. 



,, C. — A scale accidentally torn open by the process of mounting 

 dry. The ribs are revealed underneath, and the rent-piece, 

 still attached, shows villi adherent to the torn membrane and 

 visible both externally and internally under the microsco]3e. 

 This butterfly wing came without a name, and I call it "No 

 name." No. 102. It is a Zygccna. 



,, 7 represents some of the infinite forms of erect Villi, power 2,000. 



,, 8. — Most wonderful variations of the forms of lai'ge Villi are to 

 be seen on the under surfaces of the Battledores of Lyccena 

 Alstis. One only is selected. 



Mr. Hinton, 11 Vorley Road, Upper Holloway, has mounted a 

 great number of Villi slides. 



Drawn from Nature by Royston-Pigott. 



Curious Deposits in the Cells of the Dahlia. — H. 

 Leitgeb has published in a botanical journal a curious account of 

 the Crystalline deposits in Dahha tubers, and these may possibly 

 be met with in other plants of the same group, many of which are 

 used in pharmacy. In order to exiiibit wliat he terms the " spsero- 

 crystals of inulin," sections of dahlia tubers are usually soaked in 

 alcohol. The author having allowed a tuber to soak for several 

 years in tliis liquid, finds the spheres of inulin with radial stripes 

 grouped in the peripheral region of the tuber. Besides these, he 

 has noticed spheres that are composed of an amorphous nucleus, 

 surrounded by an envelope formed of radiating needles. These 

 crystals, he tells us, abounded in the i)ith and inner portions of 

 the i)arenchyma. On being burnt they leave, after complete com- 

 bustion, a mineral residue of the same shape as the crystals, con- 

 sisting of phosphate of lime. The amorphous nucleus is not inulin, 

 nor fat, but some organic substance, the nature of which is unknown. 



