240 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



from Western Australia, allied to Plectrotarsus, Kol. ; and other species 

 belonging to a group represented by Hydropsyche Edwardsii (M'Lach.). 

 Among the Planipennia the most remarkable insect was a new species of 

 the singular genus Psychopsis (Newm.), from Mount Kosciusko, where it 

 was common. Of Pseudo-Neuroptera there was a species of EmbiidcB 

 from Western Australia, and certain curious Psocidm and Perlidm. The 

 Trichoptera appeared to be exclusively confined to Sericostomatidm, Lepto- 

 ceridcB, and Hydropsycldda. Mr. Meyrick made some remarks on the 

 localities in which he had collected the species. 



Mr. M. Jacoby exhibited three specimens of a new species oi Xenarthra, 

 collected by Mr. G. Lewis in Ceylon ; also a species of Loxoprosopus from 

 Brazil. 



Mr. C. 0. Waterhouse exhibited a living example of an Ichneumon — 

 Ophion mucruriun — bred from a larva of Callosamia proniethea, a North- 

 American species of SatiirnidcE. He also exhibited a number of wings of 

 Lepidoptera denuded of the scales, in order to show the neuration for study, 

 and explained the method he had adopted for removing the scales. The 

 wings were first dipped in spirit and then placed in eau de javelle (potassium 

 hyperchlorite). Mr. Waterhouse said lie had sometimes substituted per- 

 oxide of hydrogen for eau de javelle, but the action was much less rapid, 

 although the results were satisfactory. 



Mr. Poulton observed that, although the pigment had disappeared, he 

 thought the scales were not removed, but were merely rendered transparent; 

 and he remarked that the discovery of some chemical for softening chitiue 

 had long been wanted to prepare specimens for the microscope. The 

 discussion was continued by Mr. M'Lachlau and Dr. Sharp. 



Mr. Slater read a note, extracted from the ' Medical Press,' on the 

 subject of the poison used by certain tribes of African Bushmen in the 

 preparation of their arrows. It was stated that a poison was prepared by 

 them from the entrails of a caterpillar which they called " N'gwa." 



The Rev. W. W. Fowler read a note received from Mr. J. Gardner, of 

 Hartlepool, in which it was stated that Dytiscus marginaUs possessed the 

 power of making a loud buzzing noise like that of a humble bee. 



Dr. Sharp said he was familiar with the humming of Dytiscus mar- 

 ginaUs previous to flight, and thought it might perhaps be connected with 

 an inflation of the body for the purpose of diminisbing the specific gravity 

 of the insect ; he had noticed also that it was occasionally accompanied by 

 the discharge of fluid from the body. 



Mr. Wm. White read a paper " On the occurrence of anomalous spots 

 on Lepidopteious larvse." A discussion ensued, in which Mr. Poulton, 

 and others took part. 



Mr. Waterhouse read " Descriptions of new genera and species of 

 BuprestidcB." — H. Goss, Hon. Secretary. 



