( xxxiv ) 



assumed by the Geometer larvae referred to by Mr. Poulton were instructive 

 cases of the correlation of habit with protective resemblance, of which so 

 many instances had already been recorded. In this connection, Mr. Meldola 

 referred to the somewhat similar habit of the caterpillar of Emmelesia 

 unifasciata, which loops itself up in the seed-capsules of its food-plant 

 (Bartsia) in a manner well calculated to enhance its means of concealment. 

 The case of the larva of the Nematus mentioned he regarded also as one of 

 typical importance, illustrating how the internal anatomy of an insect could 

 be modified or controlled by natural selection for the good of the species. 

 In conclusion, Mr. Meldola suggested that as the colour and pattern on 

 many caterpillars was still, in a large number of cases, imperfectly under- 

 stood, it might help to clear up the meaning of some of these markings if 

 experimental larvae were modelled out of plaster-of-paris or some other 

 material, and changes rung upon the colours and patterns by artistic treat- 

 ment, so as to find by experiment what particular mode of ornamentation 

 caused the model to assimilate more closely to, or to deviate more widely 

 from, the environment. He believed that by this means many markings 

 which in an isolated larva removed from its natural surroundings were 

 apparently devoid of meaning, would be found to possess as decided an 

 advantage as had been demonstrated by the author in the case of the 

 residual subdorsal line or the apparent angularity of Notodonta ziczac. 



Mr. J. Jeuner Weir also made some remarks on the many interesting 

 points brought out in Mr. Poulton's paper. 



Dr. Franz Leuthner read the description of " JEgognathus Waterhousei, 

 a new genus and species of Dorcida from Peru." He remarked on the 

 close relationship often existing between Australian and South American 

 genera. Mr.Waterhouse referred to two genera of Buprestidcs (Stigmodera 

 and Ccnognatha), in which this was equally noticeable. 



Mr. C. 0. Waterhouse read the " Description of a new species of Eury- 

 trachelus (Dorcidcn)" from the Solomon Islands. 



December 5, 1883. 

 E. M'Lachlan, Esq., F.R.S., &c, Vice-President, in the chair. 



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

 respective donors. 



The Chairman announced the death of Dr. J. L. Leconte, of Phila- 

 delphia. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Society in 1863. 



Election, of a Member. 

 George Bowdler Buckton, FiSq., F.R.S., &c. (Weycombe, Haslemere, 

 Surrey) was balloted for and elected a Member of the Society. 



