174 ACCOUNT OF THE GENERAL AND ANNUAL MEETINGS, 
Ballarat; by Mrs. Sandwith of the pupa of the dragon-fly and 
Damasonium stellatum from Hants ; by Mr. T. Morgans of a 
composite plant raised from seed sent by his son from Gallipoli ; 
by Mr. H. J. S. Gibbons of a living Black rat Mus rattus, 
captured in a Bristol warehouse ; and by Miss Roper of a late 
flowering Rosa canina. 
THE 459th GENERAL MEETING. 
December 7th, 1916. 
" Spiders," by Rev. H. Arnold Cook, M.A. 
Spiders possess many specialised parts, including their breath- 
ing apparatus, which resembles modified fish gills, and their 
powerful jaws, with poison glands at the base, to paralyse their 
prey. The formation of the feet for moving rapidly on the lines 
of the web and the brilliant eyes, with other adaptations of the 
various species, were described by the help of diagrams and liv- 
ing specimens. 
Exhibits by Miss Ida M. Roper, F.E.S., of a large cockroach 
from Central Mexico, brought with bananas ; and by Mr. 
H. J. S. Gibbons of exotic spiders from the same source. 
After discussion it was decided that the present officers of the 
Society should continue in office, with Miss E. M. Eee, M.Sc, 
acting as Assistant Hon. Secretary, and that the holding of meet- 
ings in 191 7 on account of the war should be left open. 
