232 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



Science of France, is now engaged in the most thorough experi- 

 ments for the elucidation of this question. Some of the strongest 

 opponents of the theory of spontaneous production have lately 

 been compelled to yield to the strong evidences which have been 

 produced, both as regards vegetable and animal life. 



Do KlNGBIEDS EAT HoNEYBEES ? 



The Chairman. — We have two letters upon this subject, one from 

 P. Peckham, Columbia X. Roads, and one from M. H. Boye, 

 Coopersburg, Lehigh county, Pa., both of whom say they have 

 shot the birds and found bees in their crops. Mr. Peckham thinks 

 they could not have been drones, because he shot the birds early 

 in the morning, before the drones were astir. He has also seen 

 them catch bees on the flowers which are not visited by the drones. 

 We still think, however, it is an open question, and will be until 

 somebody finds bees in the bird's craw with the working bee's 

 sting. 



Mr. D. G. Skinner, Prattsburg, N. Y., settles this question, and 

 that they do catch working bees. He says: "Kingbirds catch 

 bees on their return passage to the hives. Their meal is from five 

 to seven. I have frequently taken them from the crop, with bee- 

 bread on their legs." 



Grub Worms. 



Mr. Thomas W. Reece, Windsor, Randolph county, Ind., says : 

 "The pest has lately attacked our meadows and cornfields, nearly 

 ruining the crops. Hogs won't eat them. How shall w-e get rid 

 of them ? Will they change to some other form, or continue from 

 year to year as grub worms ? Will fall plowing destroy or 

 diminish them? In short, what is the cause that produces them, 

 "and the best plan to get rid of the pest ? " 



Mr. Solon Robinson — Fall plowing is recommended for this pest. 

 A dressing of lime, salt or ashes, will also be found beneficial. 



Adjourned. 



Octoher 10, 1866. 

 Prof. S. D. Tillman in the chair ; John W. Chambers, Secretary. 



A New Seedling Peach. 



Mr. T. H. Ridgely. Baltimore, Md. sent specimens of a new 



seedling peach, grown in his garden, wdiich is in perfection about 



the 25th of September, and continues to hold on upon the tree 



until the present time. It is like the Heath peach, some of them 



