xiv Minutes of Proceedings. 



the thorax, with the wings erect and prevented from moving, the- 

 squeaking, which was continued under moderate pressure, ceased when 

 pretty strong pressure of finger and thumb was applied, notwith- 

 standing the simultaneous application of irritation to the insect's head 

 and unrolling its proboscis — a proceeding which, in the absence of 

 strong pressure on the thorax, invariably led to loud squeaking. An 

 observation which the speaker had not seen recorded was that Atropos 

 commonly, when persistently irritated, did not pretend death or 

 endeavour to escape, but assumed a threatening attitude by throwing 

 up its spiney forelegs, at the same time emitting its shrill crj ; and 

 this no doubt had something to do with the dread of the insect so 

 widely entertained. 



In evidence of the fact that Acherontia is sufficiently formidable or 

 fear-inspiring to its enemies to be a " protected " group, it was men- 

 tioned that a direct and unmistakeable " mimicker " of it existed in 

 Macrosila Solani, another large moth, belonging to the same family but 

 to a different sub-family. Specimens of the latter insect were exhibited, 

 showing that it more closely imitated A. Satanas than A. Atropos. 



Dr. Grill read some notes on recent improvements in Celestial Photo- 

 graphy. His remarks were illustrated by transparencies from 

 Celestial Photographs exhibited by means of the lantern. 



Annual General Meeting. 

 Wednesday, July 30, 1890. 



Mr. L. Peringuey, F.L.S., President, in the Chair. 



The reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were read and adopted. 

 The Members present proceeded to the election of a President and 

 Council for the ensuing year, with the following result : 

 President : L. Peringuey, F.L.S. 

 Council : J. H. M. Beck, M.D. 

 H. Bolus, F.L.S. 

 Rev. G. H. R. Fisk, C.M.Z.S. 

 W. H. Finlay, M.A., F.R.A.S. 

 David Gill, LL.D., F.R.S. 

 F. Guthrie, LL.B. 

 R. Marloth, Ph.D., M.A. 

 P. MacOwan, B.A., F.L.S., F.H.S. 

 Hon. C. A. Smith, M.A. 

 R. Trimen, F.R.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S. 



In consequence of there being so few Members present, the Presi- 

 dent was requested to postpone the delivery of the Annual Address 

 until a future occasion, and he consented to do so. 



The Meeting then terminated. 



