103 



usually interesting and instructive. This result is very satisfactory, 

 and most urgently do I call on our members for increased exertions 

 in this respect, for, besides the interest exhibitions give to our evening 

 meetings, much entomological information is spread among the mem- 

 bers, and many facts brought to light of real importance to the branch 

 of Natural History for which we are associated. I am very anxious 

 to see more done by British entomologists in the study of the history 

 of insects, — more attention paid to their transformations, habits and 

 economy, — so that the skill of the entomologist may when required 

 turn to good practical account. If our members viould therefore, as 

 often as practicable, bring for exhibition at our meetings anything 

 tending to this point, many important facts only known to a few would 

 get currently circulated in the entomological world, and much valu- 

 able information would be permanently placed on record. To effect 

 this, I would strongly recommend to as many who have time and op- 

 portunity to indulge in that very pleasant and rational way of passing 

 time called field-woi'k, and see what insects are about in their haunts 

 on the hill-sides and sunny banks in woods and open fields, in ditches 

 and ])onds, and indeed everywhere, either above or below ground ; 

 make a call upon them at home, and become fully acquainted with 

 them, — they will amply repay you for the trouble. The last remark- 

 ably fine season has been particularly adapted for this branch of 

 entomological research, and many of our members have made good 

 use of the favourable combination of circumstances presented to 

 them. 



Our library has been enriched by a variety of works, and continua- 

 tions of foreign and home periodicals, chiefly presentations. As 1 

 attach much value to a good collection of books for the use of our 

 members, 1 think that, as we have now a little spare money, some 

 of it might with advantage be laid out in the purchase of standard 

 entomological works which may be wanting to the library. An 

 expression of opinion on the part of the members would show the 

 Council the wishes of the Society on this subject, and steps might be 

 taken to secure good works should an opportunity of purchasing them 

 occur. 



The 'Transactions' and 'Proceedings' have not appeared quite 

 regularly. Of the former three parts have been printed and circu- 

 lated: a delay has occurred in the fourth part, owing to the difficulty 

 of getting the papers corrected for the press, but it will appear with 



