19 



are swollen or rounded into precisely the same shape. This 

 last adaptation would appear superfluous if it were not for a 

 curious trick which this larva has, at times, of raising its 

 posterior end stiffly out while holding on by its thoracic legs 

 — thus, apparently, standing on its head. 



I have touched the fringe of the subject. Other cases of 

 similar adaptation will occur to most of you. It is worthy 

 of notice that these resemblances are usually effective only 

 when the insect is perfectly still and at rest, and are useful for 

 concealment only when it cannot look out for its own safety. 

 The general belief is now, that natural selection has produced 

 these effects. To my own mind this solution demands too 

 large an amount of credulity, but I do not propose to go into 

 this subject here. 



An abundance of additional information on this interesting 

 subject will be accumulated if the members will notice and 

 record similar observations on protective resemblance w^hen- 

 ever they may meet with them. 



My remarks have run to some length — I could not cut 

 them very short. 



In resigning the post of your President to my respected 

 successor, Mr. J. Jenner Weir, I beg to thank you all for 

 support and kindly assistance given throughout my term 

 of office. 



CHAS. G. BARRETT. 



