LIXNEAX SOCIETY OF LONDON. 37 



tlie dependence of the coloration of certain larvae and pupa; on 

 the character of their surroundings, and disproving the suggestion 

 that the observed effects are due to any direct influence that 

 might be called " |)hotograi)liic." Your experiments have enabled 

 you ill many cases to determine within narrow limits the period 

 during wliich the nervous system becomes or remains sensitive to 

 the effective stimulus, nnd during which the ultimate colour- 

 result becomes fixed. They ])ave also demonstrated the direct 

 transference of tlie green pigment of plants to tlie tissues of the 

 caterpillars feeding on them. 



These and other researches have led you to be a consistent up- 

 holder of the Darwinian position with regard to natural selection 

 as the dominant factor in evolution. In your complete rejection 

 of Lamarckism and such speculations as Darwin's pangenesis, you 

 may even be described as more Darwinian than Darwin liimself. 



Wnile occupied with your owu researches and advancing science 

 bv your writings, you have always been a most geiiei'ous and 

 appreciative helper of other workers in your subject. You have 

 been especially successful in stimulating young collectors of 

 insects to extend their intei'est to the broader problems of bio- 

 nomics and make real scientific progress. In wider sph.eres you 

 have also taken a most active part in work for the promotion of 

 biological science, and the Liunean Society remembers with 

 gratitude your services both on the Council and as President. 

 I am sure the whole Society shares in the pleasure and satisfaction 

 witli which the Council gives you this mai'k of its esteem. 



The recipient feelingly acknowledged his gratification at the 

 award. 



The General Secretary then placed upon the table the obituaries 

 of deceased Pellows and Foreign Members, and the proceedings 

 terminated. 



OBITUARY notices: 



Odoakdo Beccari (1843-1920). — OdoardoBeccari, the third cliild 

 of Giuseppe di Luigi Beccari and the first of his mother Autoniett.-i, 

 was born in Florence, 16th November, 1S43. Losing his mother at 

 six years of age, he was confided to the care of a maternal uncle. 

 In due course he entered the college now known as the Nazionale 

 di liuca in the spring of 1853, where he found the Abate Ignazio 

 Mezzetti as Vice-Rector and Prefect of Studies, a devoted student 

 of natural science, especially botany, and, noting the observant 

 spirit in the hoy, he specially taught him the beginnings of the 

 science, and imbued him with a lasting love of plants; the pupil 

 ]iever forgot his first instructor, and long afterwards he dedicated 

 a geuus of Anonacetc to his memory as Mezzettia. 



