Re'port of Meetings for 1891. By Dr J. Hardy. 297 



and runch, which were more than usually abundant in culti- 

 vated fields ; and the caterpillar falls upon the Swedish turnip 

 as soon as the leaves are formed, and by nibblina^ lar^e holes in 

 the leaves very much hurt its growth. To this also the dryness 

 of the season contributed. Latterly it attacked all kinds of 

 turnips, but the continued growth of the roots in autumn enabled 

 them to overcome it. Some of the moths were still alive far on 

 in November. It had probably not been so abundant since 

 1851, when it was enormously multiplied over Great Britain and 

 Ireland." The Proceedings for 1869 finally dispose of it (Hist., 

 vol. VI., p. 81): — "We were not affected this year with the 

 small green caterpillars of the Diamond Moth, which make such 

 havoc of the leaves by cutting them up into small holes during 

 the drought of summer when growth is at a stand. I have 

 remarked that about that period flocks of lapwings begin to 

 frequent the turnip fields, which doubtless do good service in 

 thinning this as well as other concealed vermiform marauders on 

 our green crops." Subsequently it was observed, at least on the 

 coast, to be of annual occurrence, and that in autumn the black- 

 headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) assisted the lapwings in diminish- 

 ing its numbers. It is only in the present season that the rooks 

 and starlings have lent their aid for a short time back in per- 

 forming these good offices. Most of the worms are now full fed, 

 and have retired under small stones and clods, where they may 

 be seen under webs ; and a second brood of moths may be ex- 

 pected ere long, if the weather favours their development. In 

 the corn fields mustard and runches are quite eaten iip, and these 

 weeds having been very prevalent this season, there must have 

 been an enormous multitude of caterpillars at work ; and thus 

 the area infected comprehended not only that appropriated to 

 turnip and cabbage growing, but also many of the fields under 

 crops. [Mr George Bolam has devoted much attention to this 

 subject during the season.] 



Papers were received from Mr Walter Laidlaw on the ex- 

 cavations in the Roman Station at Cappuck, and measurements 

 of the most notable trees at Fernieherst and the adjacent woods 

 on Jed water. A plan of the Roman Station is still required 

 before the first article can appear in the Club's annual publica- 

 tion. 



Members of the Club took the advantage of being in the town 



