192 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
Crab die—‘ bleed to death ”—if the claws are broken or the leg disjointed, 
except near the body, i.¢., at the first joint from it. He was amused at the 
idea of thunder causing the Lobster to lose its claws, or noises of any kind ! 
Moreover, we have yet to learn that in the tropics, where thunderstorms are 
more frequent than in this country, the Stalk-eyed Crustacea are more 
often found clawless!—H. W. Haprievp (High Cliff, Ventnor). 
INSECTS. 
Injurious Insects.:—Miss E. A. Ormerod’s ‘ Report of Observations 
of Injurious Insects and Common Farm Pests during the Year 1884’ 
embodies the remarks of numerous observers in the United Kingdom on 
insects injurious to farm and garden crops, and the extent of their depreda- 
tions, with suggestions for prevention and remedy. The plan of the 
Report is alphabetical, arranged according to the name of the plant 
attacked, as, for instance, the apple, beans, birds (with especial reference 
to the depredations of sparrows), cabbage, carrot, «kc. In the matter of 
sparrows, Miss Ormerod says: “The injury continues to be widespread 
and serious, not only with regard to corn, but likewise fruit-farming 
districts and garden crops.” Her numerous correspondents all agree that 
sparrows will not feed on insects when seeds, grain, fruit, and other 
vegetable food is within reach, and that, consequently, their numbers 
must be kept down if any farm or garden crops are to be harvested. 
Miss Ormerod is careful to point out that in advocating a judicious 
destruction of the House Sparrow, other small birds are not included. The 
Report is published by Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall & Co. 
ARCHMOLOGY. 
A shoal of Porpoises in the Thames.—In the ‘Gentleman’s Magazine 
and Historical Chronicle’ for 1747 (vol. xvii), it is recorded that on Monday, 
the 20th July of that year, ‘“ Above 20 large porpusses came up with the 
tide almost to London Bridge, and after continuing near an hour playing 
on the water return’d in a body.”—Otxiver V. Apiin (Great Bourton, near 
Banbury). 
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. 
ZootocicaL Society or Lonpon. 
March 17, 1885.—Prof. W. H. Firowrr, LL.D., F.R.S., President, 
in the chair. 
The Secretary read a report on the additions that had been made to the 
Society's Menagerie during the month of February, and called attention to 
Viverrine Phalanger, Phalangista viverrina, from Australia, new to the 
collection; to an Isabelline Lynx, Felis isabellina, received in exchange 
