GENERAL NOTES. ers 
throw light on the systematic position of the Medusze and 
Sponges, but the nervous system is for the first time recognised 
in Cyanea, and its development studied. A remarkable new 
genus, named FLuzcapella, is also described, which, like the Ephe- 
mera among insects, has no digestive organs in the adult state, a 
case never before known in the Ccelenterata. In the early part 
of this year Dr. v. Lendenfeld came to New Zealand to prose- 
cute his studies, but began by exploring and accurately survey- 
ing the Tasman glacier, the largest in New Zealand. This survey 
shows that Dr. v. Haast’s map of this part of the Alps, made 
with a prismatic compass only, is in its main features perfectly 
correct. Dr. v. Lendenfeld is at present working in the Canter- 
bury Museum, Dr. v. Haast having placed the splendid collection 
in that institution at his disposal for scientific purposes. 
FERTILISATION OF RED CLOVER.—In the report (in No. 
10 of the Journal) of meeting of the Philosophical Institute of 
Canterbury, held 7th June, 1883, what I said with respect to the 
fertilisation of red clover in England is not correctly stated. My 
remarks as to moths were to the effect that moths of the Noc- 
tuide (not Noctuz) family visited red clover, and did assist in its 
fertilisation. And I understood Mr. Meyrick to doubt that fact, 
not “as they do not settle but suck the nectar on the wing,” but 
because it was his opinion that they were only attracted by white 
flowers. I did not hear him say, neither can I imagine he could 
have said, that moths of the Noctuidz family “do not settle but 
suck the nectar on the wing,” a statement which would be quite 
incorrect, as sucking the nectar on the wing would only apply to 
Hawk moths; and, as regards fertilisation, it could make no dif- 
ference whether the moth settled on the flower or took the nectar 
on the wing, the pollen in either case adhering to the proboscis 
of the moth, and thence being conveyed to other flowers. As to 
white flowers only attracting moths at night, my own experience 
is to the contrary— RICH. WM. FEREDAY. Christchurch, August 
6th, 1883. had! 
SEXUAL ORGANS OF SPIDERS.—The palpi of the genus 
Salticus do not differ materially from those of many other 
genera. The palpal organs of male spiders consist of lobes, 
spines, &c., are only developed when the spider comes to ma- 
turity, and are used in the process ot fecundation. The palpus 
of the female is leg-like—in most species—generally ends in a 
single claw, and is often pectinated. The jumping spiders use 
them, with the aid of the falces, to retain their prey; also as 
brushes to cleanse their anterior eyes. The Sa/ticz do not carry 
their eggs, but lay them under a white silken cell, in various 
crevices, especially in stumps about old clearings ; but there are 
some spiders—e. g., genus Dolomedes—which carry the cocoon 
beneath the sternum, retaining it there with the aid of the falces, 
palpi, and a few silken lines. The resemblance to the immediate 
environment obtains in many species in New Zealand.—A.T.U. 
