THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



207 



gow, was elected an ordinary member, and four new members were proposed. 

 Nominations were handed in for the several offices which had become vacant, 

 and these will be balloted for at next meeting. Mr. John M. Campbell ex- 

 hibited living specimens of the smooth snake, Coronella Icevis (Lacep), from 

 Hampshire ; and specimens of the midwife toad, Alytes obslretricans (Laur.), 

 with eggs, from Prance, regarding which a paper was read describing their 

 habits and distribution. Members were then invited to hand round for in- 

 spection any specimens they had with them for exhibition, and several boxes 

 containing lepidoptera were shown. Mr. Henderson's box contained some 

 very pretty varieties of common species, including M. montanata, C. bilineata, 

 A. aversata, and also specimens of H. glauca, II. binavella, P. acanthodacty- 

 lus, &c, taken in the district. Mr. C. B. Cross showed a beautiful preserved 

 larva of 8. carpini, mounted by Mr. Pierce, of Liverpool, which was much 

 admired, as it was thought impossible to preserve the larva without destroy- 

 ing its beautiful greenish tint. Mr. Cross also showed a fine series of Mi 

 similella, a species never before recorded for the West of Scotland. Mr. J. 

 Mackay exhibited a box containing some Argyllshire lepidoptera, including 

 G. papilionaria, C. davus, C. duplaris, and also some interesting varieties, 

 among others, a nice banded specimen of rkomboidaria, H. hectus, in which 

 the gold spots of the upper wings were also to be found in the lower, and a 

 female specimen with the same markings as the male. His box also con- 

 tained a specimen of M. montanata y in which the band was entirely absent, 

 the only markings being a little spot on each of the upper wings ; and some 

 rare species such as M. athalia and cinxia, A. alni, strigosa, E. versicolora, 

 &c. Mr. E. Wilson exhibited larvae of P. bucep/iala, and Mr. Alex. Stewart 

 showed a fully developed egg which had been found with others inside the 

 dead body of a turtle. — John Mackay, Hon. Sec. 



Excursion to Paisley. — On Saturday afternoon, 4th September, the 

 members of this Society visited Paisley, and spent a most enjoyable afternoon 

 collecting on a part of the famous Gleniffer Braes. Mr. Alex. Stewart acted 

 as leader, and discharged his duties to the satisfaction of all present. The 

 afternoon was a delightful one, but, notwithstanding, very few specimens 

 were taken. A few V. urticce were seen flitting about, and these, with a few 

 " whites," were the only representatives of Diurni seen during the day. 

 Specimens of C. Haworthii, C. graminis, C. fufaata, II. micacea, and a few 

 other species were taken. Refreshments were partaken of in the " Peesweep 

 Inn/ where a most enjoyable half-hour was spent over the fizzing " Lemon," 

 and new baked scones and cheese — if nothing stronger ! On the way back 

 to Paisley, the members of the party who collected micros had good success, 



