122 REPORT—1858. 
a view to elucidate this subject. With regard to the destination of our summer birds 
in winter, a large series of direct experiments was necessary to the proper compre- 
hension of the length and direction of the lines which they followed. 
Some Observations on the Fishes of the Lake District. 
By J. Davy, MD. ERS. 
In this paper the author referred,—Ist. To the species of fish hitherto known in 
the district. 2nd. To their habitats, remarking that one of them, the vendace, till 
recently supposed to be peculiar to Scotland, had been found in Derwentwater. 
3rd. On the causes of the distribution of fishes; taking the vendace in its limited 
range as an example, two theories in explanation were offered as most probable,— 
one, the transportation of its ova by birds, the other by floating ice,—their vitality 
not being destroyed at the freezing-point of water. 4th. The growth of fish, of 
which remarkable instances were recorded, under the influence of unstinted and 
fitting food. 5th, Of variations in the species, occasioned by different agencies. 
The paper concluded by pointing out the necessity of legislative interference to pre- 
vent the destruction of fish. ‘They are now taken in largest quantities at the season 
when they are about to deposit their ova, and when least fit for food. A closed 
season should be instituted throughout the country, and parr and smolts should 
never be taken. 
On the Cause of the Instinctive Tendency of Bees to form Hexagonal Cells. 
By R.L. Ex.is. 
The author supposed that bees were led to the exercise of this instiict by the use of 
their organs of sight. It was well known that, in addition to their facetted eyes, 
they had three single eyes; and he supposed that these eyes were placed in such a 
position as to enable them to work within a range sufficient to give the walls of their 
cells dihedral angles of 120 degrees. 
On the Arrangement of Birds. By T. C. Evroy, F.L.S. 
The mode in which birds obtain their prey is subject to considerable variation : 
adapted to this variation are the various members and organs of the class. ‘The 
principal modes in which birds obtain their prey are the following :—By the power 
of flight or direct chase; by the power of approaching their prey unobserved; by 
the power of climbing; by the power of scratching and running; by the power of 
wading, and by the power of swimming. Ifa division of birds is made strietly ac- 
cording to the above qualities, there will be many that will not conform strictly to 
the greatest perfection of development adapted to each mode of living, but are 
endowed with a modification or mixture of two or more of them. Mr. Eyton pro- 
poses to divide birds into the following orders :—1. Raptores, or birds of prey; con- 
taining the families Vulturide, Falconide, and Strigide ; 2. Noctivores, or night- 
feeding birds, containing the Caprimulgide, Trogonide, and Coracinide ; 3. Volitores, 
or flyers, containing the Trochilidz and Cypsilide ; 4. Lapsatores, or gliders, con- 
taining the Alcedinide, Buceride, and Upupide. 
Prehensores or Parrots. Cursores or Runners. 
Scansores or Woodpeckers. Rasores or Scratchers. 
Erucivores or Cuckoos. Littoreals or Shore-birds. 
Insessores or Perchers. Grallatores or Waders. 
Bipositores or Pigeons. Natatores or Swimmers. 
Mr. Eyton called the attention of the meeting to the peculiar mode in which the 
coracoid bone is articulated to the sternum among the humming-birds, and exhibited 
a drawing and specimens of those parts. 
