325 



what on the views entertained as to the variabihty of species. The 

 points of difference thus far observed between our insect and that de- 

 scribed by Harris are as follows : — 



1. In Harris's insect, the ova are deposited in semicircular incisions: 

 in ours, they are in straight incisions. 



2. In Harris's insect, the eggs are generally on the under side of the 

 leaves : in ours, they are always on the upper side. 



3. In Harris's insect, the embryo escapes on the fourteenth day : 

 in ours, on the eighth or ninth. 



4. The first two pairs of legs in the adult insect are not nearly so 

 light colored as in that described by Harris. 



5. Perhaps the almost complete failure of the autumnal brood de- 

 serves to be mentioned in this connection ; though this might be due to 

 a changed climate, as it is well knov/n that the reproduction of many 

 species is materially influenced by climatic conditions. It may also be 

 added, that, unlike the Boston slug, ours emits no odor ; and that, con- 

 trary to the statement of Norton,* from three to a dozen individuals 

 may generally be found on each leaf, in those parts of the tree that 

 have been visited by the fly. 



As to the remedy for this horticultural pest, it may be added to Avhat 

 has been already published, that the odor of coal-tar effectually drives 

 away the fly. This can be smeared over a piece of board, and sus- 

 pended in the tree, — a resort which I have found effectual against the 

 plum- weevil. It is likely that the odor of petroleum or naphtha would 

 produce similar results. 



Contrary to the conjectures of Harris, this disgusting larva is never 

 eaten by birds. 



University of Michigan, 15th October, 1863. 



Mr. F. W. Putnam exhibited a young fish from the Gulf 

 Stream, near the Bahamas, presented by Mr. S. IST. Chamber- 

 lin, stating that it was a very interesting specimen of the 

 genus Belone. This was the first time, so far as he was 

 aware, tliat the young of this genus had been seen. The 

 young specimen was perfectly formed, so far as the body was 

 concerned, except that the scales were not developed. The 

 sides of the body Avere very beautifully marked with dark 

 stellate spots. The njDper jaw was very thin and curved, 

 not reaching to tlie tip of the under jaw, which was slightly 

 hooked at its tip. The teeth were developed. The short 

 upper jaw recalls the genus Hemiramphus. 



* Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Oct. 1861, p. 222. Harris states, however, that some- 

 times twenty or thirty may he seen on a single leaf (Insects Inj.toVeg., lS62,p.o30). 



