( xiii ) 



In the discussion of these extremely interesting phenomena 

 it was only too evident how great was the need for prolonged 

 and continuous systematic study of the living forms in their 

 natural environment. The collector in tropical regions, 

 however able and enlightened, and however desirous of con- 

 tributing to the elucidation of these and kindred problems, 

 was too much hampered by the hindrances and interruptions 

 incident to his main occupation to admit of his undertaking 

 such a series of observations as was essential. What was 

 wanted were Biolot/ical Statitms dealing with the terrestrial 

 fauna on the lines of late so successfully followed in marine 

 biological research. 



The discussion was then adjourned till June 2. 



Discussion on Mimicry, etc. 



The discussion on Mimicry and Homoeochromatism in 

 Butterflies, adjourned from May 5, was then resumed. 



Dr. DixEY : He wished to add his voice to the chorus of 

 approval and thanks which had greeted the very fine exhibit 

 arranged by Mr. Blandford from the collection of Messrs. 

 Godman and Salvin. He thought that his own views were 

 supported by the contents of the drawers shown, and that the 

 series of examples contained therein were, in most instances, 

 Miillerian associations of an extensive character. 



He agreed that the term "homoeochromatism" had an 

 advantage in merely denoting the facts, without reference to 

 any theory ; but he thought that Mr. Blandford ought not to 

 restrict it, if such were his intention, to Miillerian mimicry. 

 It was equally true that Batesian mimics were homoeochro- 

 matic with the models they represented. 



He was not sure whether Mr. Blandford intended his 

 remarks about the intimate resemblance existing between 

 certain species included in these groups to be considered as a 

 criticism of the Miillerian theory. The course taken by any 

 species was a resultant of the various forces acting upon it, 

 and the perfection of a mimetic resemblance would therefore 

 stand in relation to the facility for its acquisition which was 

 allowed by the other forces tending to modify the external 

 appearance. 



