278 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



The larva of Columbia has been bred on Larch [Larix Americanus) 

 and wild red chen-y {Pnams Pennsylvanicus). That of Cecropia, as is 

 well known, feeds on apple, cherry, plum, barberry, currant, etc. Glo- 

 veri has been raised on plum and red currant. Ceanothi, according to 

 Henry Edwards, feeds on Ceamthis Thyrsiflorus, Esch., Frangula Cali- 

 fornica. Gray, Bhamnus Croceus, Nutt., and Alnus Viridis, D. C. 



The cocoon of Columbia is oval, pointed at the end, from which the 

 insect escapes ; pitchy black in color, with a few silver threads here and 

 there, principally near the part which is attached to the twig ; generally 

 about two and a quarter inches in length. That of Cecropia is, of course, 

 too well known to need any description. Of Gloveri, it is as if made of 

 native silver, and is most beautiful in its brilliant metallic appearance. 

 Of Ceanothi, I liere append Henry Edwards' description from the Proc. 

 Gal. Acad, for 1874 : " When about to undergo its cliange, the caterpillar 

 attaches itself usually to the under side of a twig and spins a rather 

 coarse and veiy compact outer case, with which no leaves or other extra- 

 neous substances are incorporated, and within this a reddish brown 

 cocoon, the filaments of which are sti'ong, rather coarse, but glossy. 

 The cocoon and its outer case are oval, produced into a cone at the end^ 

 by which the insect escapes." 



Prom what I have shown, there is little doubt but that there are three 

 valid species, as species go now-a-days ; but, nevertheless, despite the 

 want of the red tubercles in the larva, I am strongly of the opinion that 

 Gloveri is after all but a form of Cecropia, and that successive breedings 

 through many generations in the Atlantic districts would eventuate in 

 the changing of the red color of the moth to the blackish of Cecropia, 

 As regards the larva, I cannot see why an insect may not be subject to 

 variation in the earlier stages as well as in the imago. 



Beading, Pa., August 'SQth, 1878. * 



September 18th, 1878. — Special Meettno. 



Dr. R. J. Farquharson, President, in the chair. 



Thirty-nine members and visitors present. 



The meeting was held in honor of the presence in our city of 

 Dr. George Engelmann, the distinguished botanist, and to wel- 

 come the return of our fellow member, Dr. C. C. Parry, after an 

 extended trip to Mexico. 



Rev. S. S. Hunting, on behalf of the Academy, delivered a 

 happy address of welcome, to which Dr. Engelmann responded 

 in few pleasant remarks. 



After adjournment an hour was agreeably spent in social con- 

 versation, wherein the Doctor illustrated his remarks by speci- 



