Entomological Society. 4817 



Fifthly. — In placing in old shells and debris watch carefully that there are no dead 

 animal matters attached. The Annelides are very prone to die and form a nucleus of 

 putrefying matter : it is better not to place in any Annelides until the ta.uk is esta- 

 blished ; the death of a few is then of slight importance. 



Sixthly. — All large stones should be raised a little from the bottom, so as to allow 

 a wash under them, and also the Crustacea to cleanse all the dead animal and vege- 

 table matter: this will prevent the black deposit, which is a sure sign of sulphuretted 

 hydrogen. 



Seventhly. — Do not discourage the confervoid growth on the sides of the tank, un- 

 til the lank is perfectly established; its occurrence is a sure sign the water is in good 

 condition, and it is my opinion it oxygenises the water more effectually than do the 

 larger plants. 



Eighthly. — Syringe the water at times; it can do no harm, and the animals appear 

 to like it. 



yinthly. — Do not overcrowd your tank. 



Tenthly. — Remo\e animals as soon as they are dead. 



Eleventhly. — Use sea-water in preference to any salt and water. 



I am confident that if the above very simple rules are attended to the owners of 

 vivaria will find success the rule and failure the exception. What is to prevent them 

 being as successful as the Zoological Society? it is to Mr. Mitchell's care and atten- 

 tion that their success is due. I am now engaged in maturing a new plan for trans- 

 porting some of the animals and all the weeds, and which, if successful, will lessen 

 the carriage considerably, and also lessen the risk of death amongst them. I shall be 

 much obliged to any gentleman who can give me any hints or advice, and who will 

 allow me to make use of it in my forthcoming hand-book, all of which shall be duly 

 acknowledged. Any information of experience as to the shapes, dimensions aud 

 prices of tanks will be acceptable. I myself incline to a shallow tank with a large 

 area. — William Thompson; Weymouth, August 1\, 1855. 



Proceedings of Societies. 

 Entomological Society. 

 August 6, 1855. — John Cubits, Esq., President, iu the chair. 



Donations. 



The following donations were announced, and thanks ordered to be given to the 

 donors: — 'The Literary Gazette' for July; by the Editor. 'The Athenaeum' for 

 July: by the Editor. 'Journal of the Society of Arts' for July: by the Society. 

 * Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England,' Vol. xvi. Part 1 ; by the 

 Society. Hewitsons ' Exotic Butterflies,' Part 15 ; by W. W. Saunders, Esq. 'Die 

 Gallen. Versuch die dutch Insecten an den Pflanzen Verursachteu Answiichse nach 

 ihren Haupttypen und Wachsthumsverhaltnissen naturgemass zu gruppiren,' von 

 Georg Frauenfeld : by the Author. ' Revue et Magasin de Zoologie,' 1855, No. 6 ; 

 by the Editor, M. Guerin-Meneville. ' List of the Specimens of Lepidopterous In- 



