20 Proceedings. 



altogether in seclusion, it having been seen searching for 

 food on exceptionally warm days in winter. 



The store of provision made by some animals is by many 

 naturalists regarded as provision for a vernal banquet rather 

 than a winter store, provision which can readily be reached 

 on awaking from torpidity. Mr. Webb stated that the hoard, 

 if used at all in the winter, was indulged in but sparingly, 

 as the internal organs were at such time not adapted to large 

 feeding. 



Snakes hybernate in company, closely packed together, and 

 in consequence of such habit are often killed in great numbers 

 during their sleeping condition. 



Toads creep into crevices ; Tortoises hide in the earth, as 

 do Slugs, Woodlice, Earwigs, and Centipedes. 



Insects for the most part hybernate solitarily ; but the 

 Painted Lady Butterfly, and also the common Blue Bottle, mass 

 together in holes and crevices and dark places, whence they 

 emerge on a warm day. Some insects hybernate as chrysalids ; 

 other insects hybernate, insensible to intense cold if it be dry, 

 but suffer from fungus if the cold be damp. 



Dr. Hunter, the friend of Dr. Jenner, made experiments in 

 regard to hybernation, and came to the conclusion that while 

 breathing became less, almost to cessation, the heart's action 

 continued, though modified in power ; and to supply the 

 place of oxygen to the blood, the fat in the bodies was 

 absorbed by the numerous blood-vessels. 



Eefereuce was made to the hybernating of plants and of 

 seeds, which will retain their vitality for years. 



Mr. Webb stated that Pheasants after the shooting season 

 continued fat, although supplied with less food, and that 

 Larks were plumpest when the snow was on the ground. 

 Kobins, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings have but little 

 fat, and soon succumb to frost. 



Dr. Bossey stated that worms imbedded in grains of com 

 would retain life for many years, and become active on being 

 released from the grains of corn and placed in water slightly 

 warm, 



