SCOTTISH NATURALIST BEDS 243 



the Bird-lice of the Genus Docophonis (Mallophaga) found 

 on British Auks"^ is devoted to a detailed account of the 

 morphology of the male genitalia. The terminology of 

 the various portions of these organs is carefully explained, 

 an excellent drawing is given of the apparatus in each 

 species, while a key, enabling any of the forms to be 

 identified from these organs alone, concludes the paper. 

 The practical value of this method of determination may 

 be judged from the author's statement that "so very sharply 

 defined indeed are the chitinized portions of these organs, 

 that it is in many cases possible by this means to determine 

 accurately mere fragments of insects so bleached and rubbed 

 as to be otherwise unrecognisable." It may be safely 

 affirmed, we think, that the same holds good in all groups 

 of insects. Unfortunately, however, some little difficulty 

 may be experienced by the amateur \n preparing his 

 specimens for examination, since the process implies no 

 little dexterity in the use of the dissecting microscope and 

 accessory instruments. 



SCOTTISH NATURALIST BEDS. 



It is gratifying to be able to inform our readers that the recent 

 appeal in our pages and elsewhere for funds in aid of the above 

 beds has met with a generous response. The splendid sum of 

 ;^i56, i8s. 6d. has been received, enabling three beds to be endowed. 

 The authorities have stated that the greatest need is, at present, in 

 the hospitals at home. It is therefore proposed to name three 

 beds in one of the Scottish Hospitals. We take this opportunity 

 of thanking those who have contributed to this worthy cause. 



1 Proceedings^ Royal Physical Society, vol. xix., pp. 171-176 

 (May 191 5). 



