2G8 [December, 1876 



the Bcthnal Green Branch Museum, to be open for inspection until 9.30 p.m. on 

 Tuesdays. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, P. Cunliffe Owen, Director S. K. M. 

 To D. Pratt, Esq., 333, Mile End Eoad, E. 



The Butterflies of North America, with coloured drawings and descrip- 

 tions ; by W. H. Edwards. Second Series, parts iv and t ; New York, Hurd and 

 Houghton, 1875, 1S76. 4to. 



These two parts fully sustain the reputation of Mr. Edwards' magnificent work. 

 Part iv is occupied by three species of Argynnis, one of Melitcea and its transforma- 

 tions, two of Grapta, and Papilio brevicauda, which latter appears to be quite 

 distinct from Asterias, differing not only in the short tails, &c., of the imago, but 

 also considerably in the larva. Part v comprises Colias Fhilodice and its transforma- 

 tions and variations, occupying no less than fifteen figui-es, some of the varieties, 

 especially a melanic $ , being very curious and interesting ; three species of Argynnis, 

 and Apatura Clyton, varieties ocellata and Proserpina, with full illustrations of 

 transformations. 



As usual, the engraving and colouring, and the minute care shewn in investigating 

 the history of each species, leave nothing to be desired, and, considering the heavy 

 expense the production of such a work must entail, we hope the author may receive 

 such encouragement as will enable him to continue it beyond the second series. 



Entomological Society of London: \st Xovemier, 1876. — Prof. West- 

 wood, M.A., F.L.S., President, in the Chair. Professor Katter, of Putbus, Island 

 of Riigcn, was elected a Foreign Member. 



Mr. F. Smith exhibited thorns of an Acacia from Natal, inhabited by a species of 

 ant (Pseudomyrma) of the family CryptoceridcB. These thorns were several inches 

 in length, and the nests of the ant were formed in the hollow interior. 



Professor Westwood exhibited larva; of Lasiocampa ruhi from Deal, found 

 feeding on Hippophae rhamnoides ; the finder stating that he had suffered much 

 irritation from the hairs of the larvse entering the skin. He also exhibited a very 

 curious Coleopterous larva from Zanzibar, about half an inch in length, oval and 

 flattened, steel-blue in colour, and furnished with singular clavate antennic. Likewise 

 a specimen of Hesperia Sylvanus, to the haustellura of which were attached several 

 pollen-masses of an Orchid. Furthermore, he exhibited the pseudo-bulb of an Orchid 

 from Ecuador, received by Mr. Hewitson, the interior of which was hollowed out, 

 and in it were found no less than six species of cockroaches of large size, including 

 Blatta orientalis, americana, maderce, cinerea, and two undetermined. He called 

 attention to an exhibition of noxious and useful insects recently held in Paris. 



Mr. Champion exhibited a singular Hemipterous insect {Mustha spinosula) from 

 Besika Bay, sent by Mr. J. J. Walker. 



Mr. Dunniaig communicated supplementary notes on the genus Acentropus, 

 chiefly from the reseai'ches of Mr. Ritsema. The latter (who had bred apterous 

 females) was inclined to consider there were two good species, but Mr. Dunning said 

 that the arguments used had failed to convince liim of this. 

 ■ Part iii of the " Transactions " for 1876 was on the table. 



