93 
recognized the beetle as belonging to the genus Prioptera, probably a new Hima- 
layan species. 
Mr. Stainton exhibited a nest of smooth (hairless) Lepidopterous larve found near 
Marlborongh, hanging from a beech-tree by means of silken strings, which were at 
first mistaken for threads. 
Mr. Dunning read the following extract from the ‘Journal of the Society of Arts’ 
for the 14th of April, 1865 :— 
“A new American Silkworm.—It appears, from ‘Silliman’s Journal, that after 
numerous experiments, Mr. L, Trouvelot, of Medford, Mass., has succeeded in rearing 
successfully, and in great numbers, Attacus Polyphemus, Zinn., and in preparing from 
its cocoon an excellent quality of silk, possessing great lustre and strength, and pro- 
nounced superior to Japanese and all other silks, except the best Chinese, by com- 
petent judges. The silk is unwound by a simple process perfected by Mr. Trouvelot, 
each cocoon yielding about 1500 yards. This insect is very hardy, being found 
throughout the Northern States and Canada; and, as it feeds upon the leaves of oak, 
maple, willow, and other common forest trees, may be reared easily in any part of the 
country. Mr. Trouvelot has gradually increased his stock from year to year, by 
raising young from the eggs of the few individuals first captured, until he has at 
present seven waggon-loads of cocoons, the entire progeny of which he proposes to 
raise during the coming season. The first public notice of his experiments with this 
insect was given by Mr. Trouvelot at a meeting of the Institute of Technology, at 
Boston, about a year ago, when he exhibited specimens of silk manufactured from it, 
both natural-coloured and dyed.” 
Mr. F. Smith read the following letter from Dr. T. C. Jerdon, dated “ Lahore, 
March 16, 1865:”— 
“T have at last got hold again, after a long absence, of the specimens of workers 
of Dorylus, and they are, as you suggested, evidently, I think, Typhlopone. It is, 
however, strange to say, quite a Termes in its habits, working under ground entirely, 
and never coming outside except when the males are coming forth winged, when they 
accompany them in swarms to the holes by which they,make their exit. I first 
observed the workers at Mhow, in Central India, where they had undermined a house 
so completely that the foundation had to be dug up, and I there saw the winged males 
(Dorylus) issuing out of the same holes as the workers. I afterwards saw them twice 
again ; the last time in a green-house of the Botanical Garden at Saharunpore, N. W. 
Prov. They were issuing every morning and evening in great numbers from a hole 
in the flooring (lime), and several winged individuals were with them, and these 
entered houses at night: this was in February. I have met with Dorylus in every station 
where I have been, and it is certainly curious that the workers are so litle known, as 
they must have been observed occasionally by hundreds of Europeans. I have a lot - 
in spirit, and enclose you three or four in this letter, enough, I dare say, to show if it 
is the same species mentioned in your ‘ Catalogue, T. Curtisii, or not. Dr. Jameson 
laughed me to scorn when I talked of digging up the flooring of his pet green-house, 
but if I ever get an opportunity of another nest in a get-at-able situation, I will try 
and get at the mystery of the female. Surely, however, some of the winged individuals 
must be females; if not, then the only other conclusion is that the female always 
remains apterous, and is impregnated in the nest; or, if winged, that she is kept a 
forcible prisoner till her wings drop off. I would have written long ago, but was 
separated from the bottle containing the workers.” 
