LrS>'EA?f SOCIEXr OF LOXDOX. 77 



of Ginlyo) no doubt travels from the end of the polleu-tabe to 

 the female cell. 



In a discussion which followed. Mr. W. T. Thiselton-Dver, 

 C.M.G., Mr. "W. Carruthers, F.E.S., Prof. E. Eav Lankester, 

 F.E.S., Prof. Howes, F.E.S., and the President took part. 



Mr. T. B. Blow, P.L.S., exhibited and described a case of 

 protective mimicrv in Asparagus albus, which drew forth criticism 

 by Mr. H. G-roves and the President. 



Mr. J. E. Hartiug, E.L.S., exhibited and made remarks upon 

 specimens of Xestor productus and Xestor norfolcensis, from the 

 Derby Museum, Liverpool, kindly lent for exhibition br Dr. H. 

 0. Forbes. The specimen of Xestor norfolcensis was of especial 

 interest, from the remark of Count Salvador! (Brit. Mus. Cat. 

 Parrots, xx. p. 10) that this bird is now extinct and. is only- 

 known from Latliam's description (Gren. Hist. Birds, 1S22, ii'. 

 p. 171), and from the description and figure of the head published 

 by von Pelzeln (Sitzb. k. Akad. Wiss.^lSGO, xli. p. 322) from a 

 drawino; by Ferdinand B luer, who had visited Norfolk Island, 

 where the bird was found. 



The specimen referred to had orisfinally a place in the Derby 

 Museum. It was si'^en some years ago, in exchange for other 

 skins, to the Eev. Canon Tristram, D.D., F.E.S., and had been 

 re-acquired on the recent purchase of his entire collection of birds 

 by the Trustees of the Liverpool Museum. There was reason to 

 believe that it was the type of Latham's description. 



"With regard to Xestor productus, it appeared (1) that the 

 species underwent a change of plumage analogous to that of tbe 

 Crossbills ; (2) that the description given by Latham applied to 

 a more adult bird than that now shown ; (3) that the result of a 

 comparison of the two skins exhibited, and the dimensions of the 

 wings, tarsi, and feet, rendered it doubtful whether the tv^o 

 forms were specifically distinct, the slight variations observable 

 in the coloration being such as might reasonably be attributed to 

 age or sex. 



The following papers were read : — 



1. " On the Distribution of FritnuJa elafior." Bv Miller 

 Christy, F.L.S. 



2. " On Acari collected in Franz Josef Land by the Naturalist 

 to the Jackson-Harmsworlh Exploring Expedition.'" Bv A. D. 

 Michael, F.L.S. 



3. " Further Observations on Stipules." — Part IV. Bv Sir 

 John Lubbock. Bart., M.P., F.E.S., F.L.S. 



4. " On Minor Tension-lines between Plant-formations." By 

 Prof. Conwav Macmillan (Univ. Minnesota). (Communicated 

 by G. B. M. Murray, F.L.S.) 



