JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 
VII 
larvae subsequently to its attaining its size. The circumstance of 
the growth of mould on the outside of living chrysalides was also 
mentioned, as proving that it was not essential that the animals 
should he dead, and also that the introduction of the germs of a 
plant (as grains of oats) or the larvae of CE strides , into the stomach 
of an animal, had not the effect of destroying their vital properties, 
and, therefore, that it was not contrary to nature that the Clavarice 
found upon these caterpillars had grown within their bodies whilst 
still living.* 
The following memoirs were read : 
“ On the Golofa Beetle of Venezuela (exhibited at a former 
meeting of the Society) and other allied Species.” By the Rev. 
F. W. Hope, President. 
“ Notice of the Explosive Properties of Brachinus crepitans , ob- 
served a considerable period of time after the death of the insect.” 
By Frederick Holme, Esq., M, A. The individuals observed by 
the writer were taken in March, 1834, at Meysey Hampton, near 
Fairford, Gloucestershire. They crepitated freely when seized, 
some much more so than others ; when thrown into spirits of wine 
they continued their discharges with great vehemence, as long as 
they were alive, the vapour escaping in bubbles from the surface. 
They are almost invariably found in company with Anchomenus 
prasinus, which may have occasioned the erroneous idea that the 
latter insect also possesses the power of crepitation. “ But the most 
extraordinary fact relative to the discharge is, that it may be pro- 
duced after death by pressing the abdomen near the anus. I dis- 
covered this by accident in attempting to set the wings of some 
specimens which had been dead eighteen hours, when one gave 
fifteen, and another nineteen discharges before it was exhausted. 
I afterwards obtained discharges from specimens dead four days, 
which had been set and pierced with pins, but most of these only 
discharged a black grainy fluid, without smoke, along with the 
noise. I took a specimen of Br. immaculicornis among the above, 
but it did not appear specifically distinct.” 
“ Description of a new Species of Water-Beetle from Cambridge- 
shire.” By C. C. Babington, Esq., M.A., F.L.S. (Published in 
the last part of the Transactions.) 
* The facts subsequently observed relative to the disease to which silk-worms 
are subject, named Muscardine, arising from the development of minute fungi in 
the bodies of those insects, throw great light upon this curious question. Nu- 
merous analogous instances are collected together in the second volume of the Na- 
tural History of Insects, published by Muriay two or three years ago. — Sec. E. S. 
