67 [Vol. xxxiii. 



that a few isolated feathers in the eclipse-dress displayed, 

 for the most part, a coloration identical with the succeeding 

 breeding-dress. Such feathers replaced those which had 

 been accidentally lost just as the pigment for the coloration 

 of the eclipse-dress was beginning to form. The new feather 

 took up just as much of the red pigment as had been accu- 

 mulated. This done, the remainder of the feather of necessity 

 partook of the coloration of the dominant plumage. 



He proposed a crucial experiment, to be carried out next 

 year, which should set the matter at rest for ever among 

 those who still believed in the possibility of such changes, 

 apart from alterations clue to abrasion and fading. 



Respecting the interpretation which has been placed on 

 the part played by the eclipse-plumage, Mr. Pycraft re- 

 marked that the evidence seemed to show that it should 

 not be regarded as a special protective plumage — a " con- 

 cealing coloration/' to secure safety during the period when 

 flight was impossible ; but, rather, that it answered to the 

 winter-dress of the Limicolce in such species as the Knot, 

 Ruff, etc. 



The Chairman said he perfectly agreed with Mr. Pycraft 

 in respect to the impossibility of a change of colour taking 

 place without a moult ; but he must disagree with him 

 as to the so-called eclipse-plumage being a misplaced 

 winter-plumage corresponding to the winter-plumage in 

 Waders. He considered it rather as a case of Mullerian 

 mimicry intended to protect the female at the most critical 

 time, when she was looking after her young brood. By 

 doubling the number of apparent females, there was a 

 greater chance that more real females might escape from 

 their enemies. 



Mr. N. H. Joy objected to the Mullerian theory as applied 

 to the case under discussion. 



Mr. Meade-Waldo supported Mr. Pycraft's view, and 

 said that no change takes place in the colour or pattern of 

 the feathers, but that feathers which appear to be changing 



