68 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



depositing habits of the insect. The lecture was illustrated by 

 diagrams, specimens, and microscopic preparations, shown with the 

 aid of the oxyhydrogeu micro-lantern.. Mr. Douglas Walker exhibited 

 specimens of IScopida decrepitalts and the rare Phihalaptenjx lapidata, 

 recently captured by himself in Argyleshire. Mr. Newstead exhibited 

 his new Coccix Lecaniitm perforatum, and other species, through the 

 micro-lantern. — F. N. Pierce, Hon. Sec. 



Eeading Natural History Society. — A specimen exhibition was held, 

 and was well attended, on Thursday evening, Nov. 1st, the specimens, 

 as usual, being largely entomological. Mr. A. Dowsett, F.E.S., 

 President, showed specimens of trap-door spiders and their nests, 

 from Jamaica, and leaf-insects from Tropical America. Local insects 

 taken during the past season were well represented. Mr. W. E. 

 Butler exhibited a nice series of Bombyx trifolii, bred by himself, also 

 Leucoma salicis, Sesia ichneiimoniformis, S, chrysidifonnis, Bryophila 

 glandifera, Aspilates gilvaria, Gnoplios obscuraria, Angerona prunaria, 

 Melanargia galatea, &c. — Fred. W. Leslie, Hon. Sec. 



KECENT LITERATUEE. 



Butterflies and Moths i^Brltish). By W. Furneaux, F.R.G.S., Author 

 of ' The Out-door World, or Young Collector's Handbook.' 8vo, 

 with two Appendices and Lidex. Pp. 358, 12 Coloured Plates 

 and numerous Illustrations in the text. London : Longmans, 

 Green & Co. 1894. 



A great deal of information respecting the structure and life- 

 history of Lepidoptera, together with methods of collecting and 

 management of ova, larvae, and pupae, and also of preparing and 

 arranging specimens, is given in the first portion (137 pages). Then 

 follow short accounts of our native Butterflies and Moths, of which all 

 the former are considered, and a selection of the species, representing 

 nearly all the genera, of the latter are referred to. Of the two Appen- 

 dices, one is styled a " Complete Classified List of British Macro- 

 Lepidoptera" ; but it is curious to note, that of the twelve species in this 

 division recorded as British since the publication of the 'Entomologist 

 Synonymic List,' only one is here mentioned. In Appendix II. we 

 have an epitome of work to be done during each month of the year. 

 One or two of the plates are exceedingly good, but the others are too 

 fiorid. The figures in the text are for the most part well executed. 



We are somewhat surprised to find the white spot in the red band 

 on fore wing of Vanessa atalanta still referred to as a character of the 

 female. Again, in the remarks on Ocneria diapar there is nothing to 

 indicate that the species is not now found in a wild state in this 

 country. Further, Endromis versicolor is stated to be " seen occa- 

 sionally in the birch woods of southern counties," but there is no 

 mention of its occurrence in Scotland ! Apart from a few errors such 

 as those adverted to the book seems pretty trustworthy, and may safely 

 be used by any one seeking a popular introduction to the study of our 

 native Lepidoptera. 



