238- 



7th. The capsules examined afterwards, were all of the dehiscent 

 species and were full grown. Some in being examined were thinly sliced 

 horizontally, others were broken open and the seeds examined singly. 

 Xot one in ten showed the larva. 



8th. Notwithstanding the appeal to the observations of Herman 

 Mueller, (correctly, I presume), and nothwithstanding the endorsement 

 bv Prof. Rilev of the conclusion "that it, (the honey bee), is not attrac- 

 ted to white flowers'', some of us will continue to believe that honey 

 bees are sometimes attracted to the flowers of Oxydendrum, Wliite Me- 

 lilot, White Clover, and Buckwheat. I would suppose the Professor 

 meant his statement with a modification, were he not engaged in scold- 

 ing me because of the loose staements I was reported to have made; 

 There surely can not be a '-beam" in his eye, while he is seeking to cast 

 out what is reported to be a "mote'' in mine ! 



9th. The dehiscent species of Yucca do ripen seeds in Europe, so I 

 am informed. No Pronuba has ever, to my knowledge, been taken 

 there. The seeds were not artificially fertilized. According to Prof. 

 Riley the flowers are incapable of self fertilization. We are driven then 

 to the conclusion, it must have been done accidentally by other insects 

 and if bees visited the flowers, as likely by them as by any other insects. 

 What has happened in Europe, may and does happen here, though an- 

 other and perhaps more fruitful agency is at work. 



loth. Whether the insects I took were or were not Pronuba ha.< 

 nothing to do with my reasons for doubting Prof. Riley's conclusion I 

 question not his observations or statements, but his conclusion. Very 

 much he has written above is irrelevant to my reported statement as 

 well as personal beliefs. 



In view of the above I still believe as the report says. I take no ex- 

 ceptions to Prof. Riley's observations upon Pronuba; I lay no claim to 

 hfs ability or experience; I compare myself with him in noway. But, 

 with becoming humility, I do claim that my observations when positive 

 have some right to stand against his, when only negative. 



SOCIETY NEWS. 



Brooklyn Entomological Society. February 1st, 1887. — 14 persons 

 present. Mr. G. Beyer was elected a member of the society. The regular meet- 

 ing was ta'con up entirely with the consideration of recommendations of tht- 

 various committees and officers in regard to tlie furnishing of the new rooms 

 and the use of the Library and collections. After a<ljournment spe rimens wore 

 exhibited and exchanged. 



