12 



f :mnd before in Kent, but not at this place so far as I know. Mr. Jeffrey told me that ho later on 

 tried to find fruit on the hybrids, but failed. They, apparently, were sterile. 



The following' rare plants were found by me this season, and the localities given for th<>in are 

 believed to be new : — 



Henninium monorchis (Musk Orchis), — On the northern slope of "Westwell Down. (This habitat 

 was pointed out to me by Mr. Jeffrey). 



Cotyledon umbilicus (Wall Pennywort). — "Winchelsea (on walls). 



Spirma Filipendula (Dropwort). — Amongst grass at the side of the road about a mile north of 

 Shepherdswell. 



Pijrola rnttdidifolia (Ronnd-leaved Wintergreen). — Elliamparlc Wood, Elham. This habitat was 

 pointed out to me by Miss Day. 



Ulex minor (Dwarf FiU'ze). — Sandlin^' Park. 



Diaiithus Armena (Deptford Pink). — Found by Mi*. Sydney Wel^h and myself near Swauton 

 Farm, Littlebourne, at the side of the public road. On November 9th it was still in flower. 



JOHN TAYLOR, M.A., B.D. 

 1, Guilford Lawn, Dover, 

 1st December, 190S. 



ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES. 



During the past Summer tlie Lepidopterous insects noticed in this district have been very few — 

 indeed, some that have been usually accounted common seem on the verge of disappearance — for 

 instance, the speckled- wood butterfly, Pararge aegeria, we have not seen with us for some twenty years 

 past, and its congener, P. Megxra, the common wall butterfly, for iowv or five years. 



On the other hand, the marbled white Arge galathea was seen in its usual haunts in considerable 

 numbers — one straggler being observed as late as the 20th of September. On that same day a re- 

 markably small example of the " Red Admiral " was noticed, and this beautiful butterfly has been 

 fairly common this Autumn, tlie last date noted being the 22nd of October. Almost the only hawk 

 motli seen was a single humming-bird moth. The narrow-bordered bee hawk moth seems to be one 

 of the disappearing species. We found the larvae several years in succession near here twelve or 

 fifteen years ago, but of late years have not had a glimpse of them or the moth. 



Many other instances (without mentioning the wasps, the absence of which most of us do n<»t 

 regret) might be given. It would, however, be more interesting could wc give satisfactory causes for 

 these fluctuations, but this is often difficult. As is well known, it may frequently be traced to some 

 disturbance in the balance of Nature. Thought for reflection in this direction arose afe^v weeks l>ack 

 on observing a number of fusiform bags of spiders* eggs attached to di-ied grasses, most of whiuh, on 

 examination, proved to have the larvce of a fly in them feeding on the eggs I Curiosity led to their 

 being brought home and confined in a glass jar, and as they have now attained the pupa state I hope 

 to decide the species on their emergence. This would seem to be a ease where flies can have their 

 revenge on the spiders. 



If any year those larva? were to appear in extra abundance it is clear this species of spider might 

 be greatly reduced in numbers, and the flies would have a chance of getting the ixpper hand of their 

 natunil enemies. 



W. R. JEFFERY. 



REPORT FOR 51st YEAR, ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 190S. 



During the past year this Society has lost by resignations, removals, or deaths, twelve members^ 

 and foiirteen new members have joined, bringing the present total number to 81 — composed of eight 

 corresponding members, eight associates, eleven honorary members, and 54 ordinary members. 



The two members lost by death are the Rev. W. M. Rodwell and Mr. Pugh. Mr. Rodwell, for 

 several years, till inciipacitated by ill-health, took a keen interest in the Soeiety. He was specially a 

 skilful microscopist, and did most useful work in the arrangement of specimens, chiefly in the ento- 

 mological section, shown in the basement of the Beaney Institute. For some years he efficiently acted 

 as our hymenoptera expert. 



The late Mr. Pugh, of Canterbury Cathedral, better known to the older members, was an ardent 

 natiu-alist, and. before incapacitated by age and infirmity, was a regular attendant at the meetings, 

 and made several useful contributions to our work. 



We have to deplore the removal from the district of Mr. Sibert Saunders, of Whitstable, and of 

 Mr. W. P. Mann, B.A. Mr. Saunders was one of the oldest and most valuable of our members and a 

 most accomplished naturalist, making a speciality of marine zoology, occasionally conducting members 

 along the shore at Whitstable and in dredging fur marine specimens ; and for nearly half a century 

 working for the Society in a most exemplary and indefatigable manner. His loss to the Society is 

 irreparable. 



