19 16. Irish Societies. 95 
The Chairman and several members spoke on the paper, and the 
election to membership of Miss Mastcrson and Miss Bradley brought the 
proceedings to a close. 
Makcit 2T. — The President (R. Lloyd Praegek), in the chair. J. 
A. Sidney Stendall read a paper on " Spiders." The lecturer treated 
his subject in a general manner, not entering into any of the specific 
differences which distinguish the five hundred or so different species of 
spiders inhabiting the British Isles. The structure and life history of 
many of our commoner British spiders were fully explained, together 
with an interesting account of the manner in which the common Garden 
Spider constructs its web —that marvel of animal architecture where 
stresses and strains are all taken into account. The method of dispersal 
in young spiders was explained in detail, also a rather reassuring account 
of the poisonous properties of the spider's bite was given, the lecturer 
stating that nobody need ever be afraid of handling any species of British 
spider, its bite being practically harmless to man. The habits in 
courtship and nest-making, as observed in various species, came in for 
consideration, and the lecturer concluded by giving an interesting account 
of the many dangers besetting a spider throughout its whole life. The 
lecture was illustrated by a series of specially-prepared lantern slides, 
which added considerably to its interest. 
The paper was discussed by the President, A. W. Stelfox, and N. H. 
Foster. Mr. Stendall having replied to one or two questions raised, a 
new member of the Junior Section, Mr. Samuel Simms, was thereafter 
elected. 
April .4. — Annual Meeting. — The President (R, Lloyd Praeger) 
in the chair. The reports submitted to the meeting showed that the 
Club's membership had increased during the year and that its finances 
were in a flourishing state. In the several departments of its sphere of 
labour good work continues to be accomplished. The reports were 
adopted, on the motion of the President, seconded by Joseph Maxwell. 
The following office-bearers were then elected for the Club's fifty-fourth 
year (1916-17) : — President, Captain A. R. Dwerryhouse ; Vice-President, 
Joseph Maxwell ; Treasurer, Nevin H. Foster ; Librarian, Sylvanus 
Wear ; Secretaries, Miss M. W. Rea and Dr. Charlesworth ; Sectional 
Secretaries : — Botanical, S. A. Bennett ; Geological, Miss E. L. Andrews ; 
Zoological, C. G. Robertson; Archaeological, Robert May; Junior, J. A. 
Sidney Stendall. To fill the places on the Committee of three members 
who retired by rotation, N. Carrothers, A. MT. Cleland, and R. Lloyd 
Praeger were elected. Pursuant to notice of motion, A. Deane moved, 
and J. A. S. Stendall seconded, that Rule 3 be amended so as to constitute 
members between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one associates and 
members under seventeen as junior members, and after some discussion 
the motion was passed. Three new members having been elected the 
proceedings concluded. 
