36 
African Clawed Toad. T. M. CARO described his work on the African 
Clawed Toad (Xenopus). This included experiments on the rate of growth of 
the larvae and their feeding, breathing and blood systems. 
Earthworms. Mr. G. D. HARTRA.N described an investigation made by a 
boy two years ago on the effect of earthworms on the fertility of the soil, and cf 
the soil on the reproduction of earthworms. Onions were grown in large pots, 
each pot containing different types of soil and differing earthworm populations. 
The talks were illustrated by charts and photographs; living specimens were 
observed under microscopes. 
G.D.H. 
Ho olo qp — Cntomolo gp 
In the United Kingdom it was an adverse year for insects in general, with 
a heavy rainfall and below average periods of sunshine, preceded by a com- 
paratively mild winter. In addition, all the disadvantages inherent in a steadily 
increasing population pressure are speeding the attrition cf most forms of our 
wild life, so obvious during the last few decades. 
During this Session there were three lectures and four field meetings. On 
November 4th, Mr. L. Parmenter, f.r.e.s., gave an illustrated lecture on "The 
Flies of the British Isles". The lecturer explained that Diptera had only two wings 
and a pair of short knobbed balancers, the Halteres. The great diversity of types 
and habits were well illustrated. On March 30th, the Chairman, whose subject 
was "Malayan Butterflies and Moths", had, during three years in the Sundra 
Islands, collected and observed the Lepidoptera there. He described his researches 
into the early stages of the "Birdswing" butterfly — Troponptera brookiana 
albescens Roth. He showed slides of the first ovum and subsequent young larva 
of this species which were the first known to science, and also of the many kinds 
of survival "simulation'' and camouflage found in all forms of the metamorphosis 
of Lepidoptera. At a Members' Day Meeting on June 12th the Chairman's talk 
on the "Metamorphosis of Butterflies and Moths" was illustrated by coloured 
slides and living specimens. He emphasised the complexity of type in larvae and 
of their pupation habits, as well as the strong tendency of most species to oviposit 
on one kind of plant only. The interesting association of the British Large Blue 
butterfly- — Maculinea avion — with a species of ant was described. 
field meetings. Hod Hill, Dorset. May 22nd. The coach party was divided 
into groups, each with a particular interest in view; the volunteer group leaders 
were given a short account of the history of the site and a ground-plan of the 
Roman fort-remains. Due to the cold wind, lack of sunshine and the generally 
retarded season, no Marsh Fritillary {Euphydryas aurinia) was seen and only one 
male of the early brood of the Adonis Blue (Lysandra bellargus). Even the 
common species were few in number, either at rest or on the wing. Eight species 
of Orchids were observed, and a common Buzzard {Buteo buteo, Linn.) was seen 
soaring over Hambledon Hill. Butterfly Farm at Over Crompton, Dorset on 
June 19th. On arrival we were met by two guides detailed to conduct the party. 
On the "technical" side of the insect farm, we were shown many types of collect- 
ing and breeding apparatus, including an ingenious fine-mesh net cylinder, in 
which are placed the two sexes of a species which it is hoped to pair. If by 
prodding they are kept on the move, pairing is induced. In the long rooms lined 
with glass or net-fronted cages were larvae, emerging pupae, laying females and 
trays containing the ova of tropical, foreign and British insects. We also saw 
some of the world's largest and most "showy" moths from India, the Sundra 
Isles, etc. In the labs, members were shown Lepidoptera actually on the boards 
and being "set". The guides talked on "mimicry" and protective devices, illustrating 
with actual specimens from their display cabinets. 
field observations, butterflies : 48 species were identified by members, 6 
being "single sightings". Specimens of the Autumn brood of the Comma {Vanessa 
C-album) were frequent and well distributed. Incidentally this is a case of marked 
increase in the status of an insect in the U.K., as fifty years ago the Comma was 
a scarce and very local insect. The autumn immigration of the Red Admiral 
{Vanessa atalanta) was above average but that of the Painted Lady {Vanessa 
cardui) below. 
