26 
it would be covered with swarms of these little insects, and bread 
and other articles of human consumption were equally liable to 
their rapacious attacks. These creatures had appeared in swarms 
in a number of houses in Croydon, and so great was the annoyance 
to the tenants, that some of them had been compelled to leave 
their houses. Boiling water had been resorted to amongst other 
means for their extirpation, but apparently without effect; and it 
was only after shutting up a house for a time that these insects 
were effectually got rid of. 
Mr. J. Berney said that a good way of getting rid of these 
pests was by applying a sponge containing sugar or molasses to 
their haunts, and submerging it in hot water, repeating the process 
until the ants were extirpated. 
A vote of thanks was then awarded to Mr. Halley for his 
interesting paper. 
The following gentlemen exhibited objects with their micro- 
scopes: Messrs. A. H. Halley, W. H. Beeby, J. Berney, Edward 
Lovett, A. D. Taylor, K. McKean, and H. M. Klaassen. 
Mr. John Gregory presented for distribution among the 
members specimens of Spheraphides of Echinocactus, and re- 
ceived the thanks of the Club. 
April 8rd, 1876.—Conversational Meeting. Light members present. 
April 19th, 1876.—Special Meeting. Paper read by Cuartes W. 
Puitpot, Esq., M.D., ‘‘On some reEcENT Microscorican Re- 
SEARCHES WITH RESPECT To Inrectious DisEAsE.”’ 
Description by Mr. Joun Fiowen, F.Z.5., of a ‘‘ Matz Hyprip 
BETWEEN THE Buack GROUSE AND THE Hazen Grouss.”’ 
The President, Mr. Henry Lee, in the chair. The minutes of 
the last meeting were read and confirmed. * 
The following gentlemen were ballotted for and> duly elected 
members: Mr. John Chumley, Mr. Wilfred Godden, Mr. William 
Godden, and Mr. Sidney Pitt. 
Mr. Kenneth McKean was ballotted for and duly elected an 
Honorary Member, Mr. EK. B. Sturge was appointed Honorary 
Secretary in the place of Mr. McKean, and. Mr. John Flower was 
elected to fill the vacancy on the Committee caused by Mr. Sturge’s 
appointment, 
a 
