YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION AT POCKLINGTON. 65 
rufipes is certainly not uncommon in such situations. Proceeding in 
the face of a strong wind across Allerthorpe Common, lured by the 
hopes of a pond which on a former visit had proved fairly pro- 
ductive, the party were doomed to disappointment, for when they 
arrived at the spot they found it had dried up, owing to the 
long-continued drought, and the only water to be seen anywhere was 
a few drops on the leaves of Hydrocotyle vulgaris. A notable feature 
on the moor was the great quantity of Eperra diadema, the females 
of which, with the abdomen distended with eggs, attained a very 
great size. Passing through a small plantation emerging into 
a somewhat shady sandy lane, things began to improve. Sermyla 
halensis, Adalia obliterata, Halyzia 22-punctata, and Coccinella 
7-punctata, were found fairly abundant. Several of the Sermy/a were 
drought or not is open to speculation. Butterflies were fairly 
abundant on the wing, especially the Common Blue. In a small 
pool of water, 18 inches in diameter, which was all that was left of 
what was evidently a small stream in ordinary seasons, no less than 
four species of aquatic beetles were found, though all common— 
of Libellula and Agrion were disporting themselves. Coccinella 
hieroglyphica was obtained here at a former visit. To conclude, 
the total absence of many of our commonest beetles was owing, not 
so much to the district as to the weather. In fact the district 
appears as promising a one as any entomologist could wish for, but 
the exceptionally dry weather had done incalculable harm to insect 
life, and it augurs very badly for next year. 
The Botanical Section, as usual, was well represented, and a goodly 
number of species were obtained, despite the exceptional dryness of 
the season. The following account is compiled from notes kindly 
sent by Mr. J. J. Marshall and Mr. C. Waterfall. The botanists were 
favoured with a fine, though somewhat dull day, yet a pleasing contrast 
from the previous meeting held by the Union at Pocklington, 
when a deluge of rain prevented anything but a most cursory 
Investigation being made. An early start was made by some who 
had arrived overnight, or were able to reach their destination by 
the early trains, whilst others waited for their friends coming by 
later ones, Different routes were consequently followed, not by any 
means a disadvantage, as in this way more ground is covered and is 
likely to result in more species being noted. In a tall hedge, in 
