ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 38 7 



all been done within the last twelve months. The letter 

 stated, that the discovery of a mode of preventing these 

 attacks, would be the means of saving many a rare and 

 valuable book to the amateur and the trade. On examination, 

 three species of insects were discovered ; one, the usual Ano- 

 blum ; another, Lepisma saccharina ; and a third, apparently, 

 the larva of an Aphis. Prussic acid, corrosive sublimate, 

 quassia, and the oven, were severally recommended by different 

 members, to destroy these pests of the bibliopolist. 



The Rev. F. W. Hope stated, that it was principally books 

 coming from abroad, and which had been injured by salt 

 water, that were subject to be thus attacked. 



A paper was read, descriptive of the various genera and 

 species of Coleoptera, found in the neighbourhood of Penzance, 

 by Mr. Howe. Two of the specimens exhibited were pronounced 

 to belong to exotic genera. 



The Rev. F. W. Hope read some observations on the 

 economy of Ants. He traced the authorities from Scripture, 

 downwards, and quoted many passages from the classics, to 

 prove the general belief in their provident economy ; which, 

 however, had been questioned by many modern entomologists. 

 To settle that point, he proposed several queries, more particu- 

 larly directed to ascertain the food of exotic species, and 

 whether, or not, they were torpid during any part of the year in 

 the tropics. In the discussion, much reference was made to a 

 communication from Col. Sykes, published in the Transactions 

 of the Society, which Mr. Hope considered to establish the 

 prevalent opinion of their provident habits, but which Mr. West- 

 wood contended did no such thing ; and, also, that the ancients 

 were not entitled to any weight as observers of natural history. 



Sitting of 6th March, 1837. 

 Rev. F. W. Hope in the Chair. 



Minutes, &c. &c. of the previous meeting, were confirmed. 



A specimen of Centra vinula, found imbedded in a solid 

 piece of pine, was exhibited. 



A letter from Mr. Petit was read, noticing a decoction of 

 staves-acre root (common larkspur) as a remedy very anciently 



