139 



and other most accurate observers, — does not support the theory of 

 their feeding on finches, which are arboreal and strictly diurnal birds. 

 No one will question the statements made by Mr. Bates, but the cau- 

 tious mind of a naturalist seems disposed to exercise a right of private 

 judgment on his inferences. 



Honey Bees. 



At the Januar}' meeting ]Mr. Downie exhibited a model of a wooden 

 bee-hive, containing the following improvements : 1st, a moveable 

 floor, aftbrding the opportunity of removing dead bees in winter 

 without admitting cold ; 2nd, certain openings below the false floor 

 and at the top of the hive, which might be closed at pleasure, and by 

 which ventilation was at all times practicable ; 3rd, a shallow zinc 

 feeding-ti'ough, at the side of the moveable floor. At the February 

 meeting some extracts were read from Webster's ' V^oyage of the 

 Chanticleer,' and also from a private letter, showing that an un- 

 described honey bee of considerable commercial importance exists 

 abundantly in Cape Colony, and voluntarily seeks the homesteads of 

 the Dutch Boors for purposes of nidification. At the same meeting a 

 note was read from Mr. Muskett, of Norwich, describing the common 

 load as a great enemy to bees, and relating a circumstance of the 

 green woodpecker devouring them: in connexion with this fact, Mr. 

 Westwood remarked that sparrows in the breeding-season ate bees 

 with avidity. Subsequently, in the 'Zoologist' (Zool. 4738), Mr. 

 Smith published a communication showing the toad had long since 

 been placed at the head of the enemies of the honey bee. At the 

 April meeting a paper was read b}' Mr. Desborough, in continuation 

 of his prize essay on the ' Duration of Life in the Honey Bee.' 



Greaslness of Insects in Cahinets. 



At the ISlarch meeting Mr. Douglas read a short paper on greasiness 

 in insects, which Zeller and other continental entomologists were in- 

 clined to attribute to the use of camphor so universal in England. 

 A discussion ensued, in which doubly gilt pins, electro-plated pins, 

 and the use of quicksilver loose in the drawers, were severally recom- 

 mended as remedies. The subject was renewed and re-discussed at 

 the April meeting. At a subsequent meeting Mr. Stevens recom- 

 mended a new chemical, borneote of petroline, as effectual in 

 removing grease from insects. 



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