( X ) 



great value. He trusted the publication of the volumes — whether three or 

 four — would not be delayed. 



Papers read. 



Sir Sidney S. Saunders read a paper, " On tlie Pediculus melitta, of 

 Kirby, and its affinities with reference to the larva of Melo'e." This was 

 illustrated by tlie exhibition of many microscopic preparations of the speci- 

 mens referred to in the memoir, and by an exhibition of many thousand 

 specimens of the yellow larvae of Melo'e. 



Mr. H. J. Elwes read a paper, " On the Genus Parnassius," especially 

 referring to the remarkable form and development of the anal pouch in the 

 females as a specific character, to the geographical distribution of the 

 species of the genus ; and made some remarks on their life-histor}'. 

 Edwards' and Burmeister's writings on the genus were referred to, -and 

 Mr. Elwes commented on the remarkable fact that almost every systematic 

 writer except Boisduval had entirely overlooked the presence of the anal 

 pouch. Mr. Elwes illustrated his remarks by numerous diagrams, and by 

 the exhibition of specimens of every known species and form occurring in 

 the genus. A. discussion followed, in which Messrs. Dunning, Fitch, Weir, 

 Kirby, Pascoe, and Slater took part. 



Mr. E. Meyrick read a further paper on the classification of the 

 Australian Pyralidina, treating of the families Musotimidai, Botydidce, and 

 ScopariidcB. He remarked that only forty per cent, of the Botydidce were 

 endemic, whereas the general average in all other groups, except the 

 butterflies, was about ninety per cent. 



Lord Walsingham communicated a paper on "North American Tor- 

 tricidse." 



May 7, 1884. 



J. W. Dunning, Esq., M.A., F.L.S., &c., President, in the chair. 



The President feelingly alluded to the loss the Society had sustained 

 since tlieir last meeting through the death of their Vice-President, Sir 

 Sidney Saunders, who was then present and read a paper to the Society. 

 He made some remarks on Sir Sidney's life and works, and said it was the 

 second time it had fallen to his lot to announce the death of a Vice-President 

 in harness; now it was " one of the oldest and wortliiest of our colleagues, 

 and one who with a genuine love of Science combined the courtesy and 

 kindness of a gentleman." 



Donations to the Library were announced, and thanks voted to tho 

 respective donors. 



