40 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Mr. F. Merrifield showed samples of a material known as •' cork- 

 carpet," and explained its advantages as a lining for cabinets and store- 

 boxes. Dr. Sharp fully endorsed the opinion expressed by Mr. Merrifield. 



Mr. R. W. Lloyd exhibited specimens of Anisotoma Triepkei, Schmidt, 

 and Megacronus inclinans, Er., collected last August at Loch Alvie by 

 Aviemore. 



Mr. Merrifield read a paper entitled, " On the conspicuous changes in 

 the markings and colouring of Lepidoptera caused by subjecting the pupa? 

 to different temperature conditions," in which it was stated that the results 

 of many experiments made on Selenia illustraria and Ennomos autumnaria 

 tended to prove that both the markings and colouring of the moth were 

 materially affected by the temperature to which the pupa was exposed : the 

 markings by long continued exposure before the last active changes ; the 

 colouring, chiefly by exposure during these last changes, but before the 

 colouring of the perfect insect began to be visible, a moderately low 

 temperature during this period causing darkness, a high one producing the 

 opposite effect, and two or three days at the right time appearing in some 

 cases sufficient. Dryness or moisture applied during the whole pupal 

 period had little or no effect on either markings or colouring. Applying 

 the facts thus ascertained, Mr. Merrifield said he had obtained from 

 summer pupse of illustraria some moths with summer colouring and spring 

 markings, some with spring markings and spring colouring, and some with 

 summer markings, but an approach to spring colouring. These specimens, 

 with enlarged and coloured photographs of them, were exhibited. 



Mr. C. Fenn, who said he did not agree with Mr. Merrifield's con- 

 clusions, exhibited a very long and varied series of specimens of Ennomos 

 autumnaria, all of which, he stated, had been bred at the same temperature. 

 He expressed an opinion that the presence or absence of moisture, rather 

 than differences of temperature, was one of the principal causes of variation. 

 The discussion was continued by Lord Walsingham, Colonel Swinhoe, 

 Mr. Waterhouse, Mr. Jenner Weir, Captain Elwes, Mr. M'Lachlan, 

 Mr. Porritt, Dr. Mason, Mr. Barrett, and others. 



Mr. G. T. Baker read a paper entitled " Notes on the Lepidoptera 

 collected in Madeira by the late T. Vernon Wollaston." The paper was 

 illustrated by a number of figures drawn and coloured some years ago by 

 Prof. West wood. 



Mr. Hamilton H. Druce exhibited several very beautiful species of 

 butterflies, belonging to the genus Hypochrysops from the Solomon Islands 

 and Australia, and read a paper on the subject, entitled " A Monograph of 

 the Lycsenoid genus Hypochrysops, with descriptions of new species." 



Mr. C. J. Gahan read " Notes on some species of Diabrotica." — 

 H. Goss & W. W. Fowleu, Hon. Secretaries. 



