194 



has much, the appearance of a little ball of loose, yellow 

 or pale-brown silk. This, as well as others which occur 

 now, often become pupEc in a piece of decaying wood, 

 which must be supplied to those in captivity. 



A portion of a decaying branch is easily obtained and 

 laid upon the moss in the cage destined for them, and it 

 is absolutely necessary for the successful rearing of some. 

 Several singular larvse of Geometroe, which resemble 

 pieces of dead twig, may be found now on various bushes 

 and in various situations. When at rest these so closely 

 resemble the twigs on which they lie, that they are ex- 

 tremely difficult to detect by day. At night they are 

 feeding on the leaves or are in A^arious positions among 

 the green foliage, to which they are a strong contrast, 

 and they may then be easily seen. Sometimes, also, they 

 are hanging from branches, suspended on silken threads, 

 and are then conspicuous. Trees and bushes, as well as low 

 plants, may be thus examined until the fall of the leaf and 

 the commencement of winter. 



FOURTEENTH ORDINARY MEETING. 



Royal Institution, 17th May, 1858. 

 DR. INMAN, President, in the Chair. 



Dyce Duckworth, Esq., was elected an Ordinary 

 Member. 



Dr. Edwards exhibited some living annelides, nudi- 

 branchs, and crustaceans taken at Hilbre Island. 



