( xxxii ) 



to the mouths of these insects (the so-called "fermentation-theory,'" 

 according to Solms, p. 27), when stating that the Y»)v tia^unai elg t« tuv 

 (xvttuv kfiva aai 3i« oto/axtuv irorn /xri aTioTriinziv t« kfiva — though a large 

 proportion of these wild figs remains untenanted, retaining their hold 

 without such tutelary aid. 



This theory, subsequently expatiated upon by other writers, and held 

 applicable alike to the domestic figs as subject to the same laws, has 

 culminated hi a systematic disregard of facts in many of the fig-growing 

 countries, while in some parts of the same countries and in others the practice 

 is unknown. For certain varieties this treatment is dispensed with even 

 at Naples (Solms, p. 25); but if in reality any such figs found favour with 

 the Blastophaga they would certainly be discarded by consumers as 

 objectionable. Tournefort relates that the caprificated figs must be dried in 

 an oven instead of in the sun, to destroy the brood, whereby their aroma is 

 lost and their commercial value depreciated. But, as Count Solms remarks, 

 " the confusion between the brood of the Blastophagce and the larvae of 

 moths which delight in consuming the dried figs, is apparent" (I. c, p. 26). 



The question of specific identity must await a comparison between 

 corresponding broods ; three generations being produced in the course of a 

 year, coinciding with the three successive crops of Caprificus figs ; the 

 aforesaid Italian female appertaining to the third brood, emerging in 

 October, whereas the Smyrna specimens were obtained from the first and 

 second crops of these figs in April and July. 



Papers read. 



Mr. W. L. Distant read a " First report on the Khynchota collected in 

 Japan by Mr. George Lewis." The Pentatomidce, Coreidce, Lygceidm, and 

 PyrrhocoridcB comprised 109 species, 33 of which are described as new. 

 Mr. Distant considered that the fauna of Japan had been largely derived 

 from palaearctic elements, but that the number of oriental species found 

 was very considerable. 



Messrs. Gorham and Klwes both considered the Japanese fauna to be 

 strictly palaearctic, with a tendency to the partial development of tropical or 

 oriental forms in the south, owing to the climate. Mr. Elwes said this 

 was specially observable in the avifauna, 71 per cent, of the birds belonging 

 to palaearctic genera and only 16 per cent, having oriental affinities. 



Mr. Lewis pointed out that most of the Hemiptera collected were cap- 

 tured in the southern islands, and suggested this as a probable explanation 

 of Mr. Distant's conclusions. 



Mr. H. J. Elwes read some " Further notes on the genus Colias," 

 illustrating his remarks by the exhibition of numerous series of specimens. 



Rev. H. S. Gorham said he quite sympathised with much that Mr. Elwes 

 had said, remarking that the specific difficulties equally existed in the groups 



