324 PROCEEDINGS OF METROPOLITAN SOCIETIES. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
Novemser 5th.—This was a special meeting, summoned for the 
purpose of taking into consideration various proposed alterations in 
the bye-laws, relating to the admission of ordinary and correspond- 
ing members, which led to considerable discussion. Rules having 
been at length adopted, the meeting proceeded to the ordinary busi- 
ness of the night, announcing donations, and reading the correspon- 
dence. Mr. W. Stephens exhibited some living apterous insects 
from Java, and also a fine specimen of Colocala fuaxeni, that had 
been recently captured near Arundel. The President, J. F. Ste- 
phens, Esq., in a speech from the chair, announced and delivered to 
Mr. G. Newport the prize of ten guineas, for his essay on the na- 
tural history and anatomy of the Athalia centrifolix, one of the in- 
sects which destroy the turnip. Mr. Holme, of Corpus Christi Col- 
lege, Oxford, communicated a notice of recent entomological cap- 
tures. Lastly, some observations were read by R. A. Ashton, Esq., 
upon the mode of construction of the winter cocoon of the Goat- 
moth, and upon the casting of the coats of the internal organs by 
caterpillars during moulting. 
BOTANICAL SOCIETY. 
NovemsBer 2nd.—A paper “On the Botany of Coleham, Kent,” 
was first read by Dr. Bossey. It enumerated, among other rare 
plants found in that neighbourhood, Althea hirsuta, Salvia praten- 
sis, and Brachypodium pumutum. Dr. Bossey thought that the ha- 
bitats of the Althea and Salvia had not previously been correctly 
given. He commented upon the importance of botanists recording, 
and correctly defining, the habitats of plants, as much difficulty is 
experienced in the procuring of rare specimens in consequence of 
such omission. Mr. D. Cooper, the Curator, then made observa- 
tions on various specimens upon the table, which had been presented 
by different members. 
NovemsBer 16th.—The fruit, bark, and liber, of Bertholetia ex- 
celsa, were exhibited, having been presented by Mr. Schomburgk. 
The only paper read was by W. M. Chatterly, Esq., “On the im- 
portance of Botanical Statistics,” illustrated by the order Conifere. 
The importation, excise, consumption, &c., of the Pine tribe, were. 
severally stated, and a variety of other interesting details were en- 
tered into. 
NovemBer 29th.—Anniversary meeting. The Report of the 
Council stated that the number of members elected during the past 
year was forty-seven ; of British plants received, 18,592 specimens, 
including J,050 species ; of foreign plants, about 10,000 specimens, 
including 4,000 presented by the Botanical Society of Edinburgh 
