1S95.] 125 



and said he believed tliese were the two smallest species of Longicorns known. 

 Dr. Sharp exhibited the soldiers and workers of a species of Termites found by 

 Dr. Haviland in South Africa. He stated that these insects possessed eyes and 

 worked in daylight like ITymenopterous Ants, and that in habits they resembled 

 harvesting ants by cutting grass and carrying it into holes in the ground. 

 Dr. Sharp said that although these holes were probably the entrance to the 

 nests, Dr. Haviland could not find the actual nest, even by prolonged digging, so 

 that the winged forms were still unknown. He thought this species was probably 

 allied to Termes viarum of Smeathman, in which the soldiers and workers possessed 

 eyes, and had been observed by Smeathman to issue from holes in the ground, and 

 whose nest could not be discovered. Mr. McLachlan observed that it was possible 

 there might be species of Termites without any winged form whatever. Mr. Rye called 

 attention to the action of one of the Conservators of Wimbledon Common, who, he 

 stated, had been destroying all the Aspens on the Common. He enquired whether 

 it was possible for the Entomological Society to protest against the destruction of 

 the trees. Mr. Goss said he would mention the matter to the Commons' Preservation 

 Society. Mr. Francis Galton, F.R.S., read a paper, entitled, " Entomological 

 Queries bearing on the question of Specific Stability." The author said that the 

 information desired referred to (1) Instances of such strongly marked peculiarities, 

 whether in form, in colour, or in habit, as had occasionally appeared in a single 

 individual in a brood ; but no record was wanted of monstrosities, or of such other 

 characteristics as were clearly inconsistent with health and vigour ; (2) Instances in 

 which any one of the above peculiarities had appeared in the broods of different 

 parents. In replying to this question, he said it would be hardly worth while to 

 record the sudden appearance of either albinism or melanism, as both were well 

 known to be of frequent occurrence ; and, (3) Instances in which any of these 

 peculiarly characterized individuals had transmitted their peculiarities, hereditarily, 

 to one or more generations. Mr. Mcrrifield stated that he received some years ago, 

 from Shefiield, ova of Selenia illustraria, the brood from which produced, in 

 addition to typical specimens, four of a dark bronze colour, and from these he bred 

 a number of specimens of a similar colour. Dr. F. A. Dixey referred to a variety 

 of the larva of Saturnia carpini with pink tubercles. He said the imago bred from 

 this larva produced larva? of which ten per cent, had pink tubercles. Professor 

 Poulton said he had found larvse of Smerinthus ocellatus with red spots, and that 

 this peculiarity had been perpetuated in their descendants. Mr. McLachlan, Canon 

 Fowler, and Professor Meldola made some further remarks on the subject. Mr. Oc. 

 F. Hampson read a paper by Mr. C. W. Barker, entitled, "Notes on Seasonal 

 Dimorphism in certain species of Rhopalocera in Natal." Mr. Merrificld said he 

 was of opinion that a record of the temperature at different seasons would be a 

 very desirable addition to observations of seasonal dimorphism. Mr. Hampson said 

 he believed that temperature had very little to do with the alteration of forms. At 

 any rate, according to his experience, in India the wet season form succeeded the 

 dry season form without any apparent difference in the temperature. Professor 

 Poulton remarked that the apparent temperature as felt must not be relied upon 

 without observations taken by the thermometer. Dr. Dixey, Mr. Barrett, Dr. Sharp, 

 and Professor Meldola continued the discussion.— H. Goss and W. W. Fowler, 

 lion. Secretaries. 



