17 



The Secretary laid on the table a pamphlet, by Mr. Moscrop, of London, 

 in which the writer lays claim to the discovery of the now well-known fact 

 that the development of fish ova can be considerably protracted by the 

 application of cold, by means of ice. [Mr. Moscrop's claim has been 

 strongly denied, and further information on the subject v/ill be adduced 

 at next evening meeting.] 



Mr. Augustus Simson exhibited several specimens of the beetle or perfect 

 insect ( Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Fab.), the grub of which has of late been so 

 destructive to the strawberry plant. Mr. Sinison had only looked for and 

 obtained the insect on the previous day, and hoped soon to be able to 

 furnish further information about it. lu the meantime, as the beetle has 

 not yet emerged from the cell in which it underwent its last transformation, 

 the insect might to a great extent, if not altogether, be destroyed by taking 

 up the dead plant, with the soil below it to the depth of three or four 

 inckes and burning it. At present the insect will be found mostly in a 

 little cell in the Pupa or Chrysalis state, in which condition it is of course 

 inactive. A f ^.w have not yet reached this stage and are still grubs, and 

 some have recently become beetles. As this last change will take place 

 rapidly in all when rain falls, no time should be lost in putting the above 

 method of destruction into vigorous operation. The insect belongs to the 

 family of the Curculionidcn, or " Elephant Beetles." 



After further conversational discussion, the usual vote of thanks, pro- 

 posed by Mr. Simson, and seconded by Dr. Crouch, was accorded to the 

 donors of presentations, when the proceedings terminated. 



