SOCIETIES. 
801 
unequal. In the fourth sub-family, the ^schnidce^ the eyes are com- 
pletely contiguous and wings unequal, they also have an opaque 
triangular spot at the base of the hind wing. The second division 
contains two sub-families, the first of which, the CalopterygidcB^ are dis- 
tinguished by their wings being equal, eyes not contiguous, and head 
barrel-shaped and horizontal. The last sub-family, the AgrionidcB^ are 
very similar to the CalopterygidcB^ but much smaller. He then remarked 
on the life-history of dragonflies. The ova are deposited on aquatic 
plants, sometimes below the surface of the water. The larvae feed on 
small animals, and for this purpose have the lower lip prolonged and 
ending in a claw, with which they capture their food. They breathe by 
inflating the intestine with water, when the tracheae, with which the 
intestine is lined, absorb the air held in suspension by the water. The 
larva has the power of expelling this water with such force that it pro- 
jects itself for some distance. Before emerging from the pupae they 
crawl up some water plant and fasten themselves to it, tlie pupa-case 
then bursts and the insect appears. At first they are brownish in colour, 
their bright colours not being developed until they have been on the 
wing some days. Their food consists of various insects, which they 
capture on the wing. In doing this they are assisted by being able to 
fly in any direction without turning. The genital organs of the male 
are placed in the thorax, being thus different to all other insects. 
Mr. Bellamy referred to the popular name (horse-stingers) given to 
these insects, and asked whether they would attack animals or men. 
Mr. Tutt stated that he had noticed y^schna grandis hawking for food 
at dusk, and asked whether this was usual. He also remarked on the 
development of the colours in the imagines some time after exclusion. 
Mr. Clark had also taken yE. grandis at dusk, in the New Forest. Mr. 
Milton, in replying, stated that dragonflies had no sting, and that he did 
not think they ever attacked animals. With reference to AEscJma grandis^ 
he had never seen it on the wing at dusk, but he once took a specimen on 
a lamp, showing that they occasionally flew after dark, and were then 
attracted to a light. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr. Milton 
for his paper. 
Mr, Battley stated that he had recently seen a hawthorn bush in 
blossom, this being the third time this year, it having bloomed pre- 
viously in February and May. Mr. Elliman said that he had noticed 
an apple tree in flower in Hertfordshire. 
The following gentlemen were then nominated as officers for the 
ensuing year: President and Treasurer, Mr. J. A. Clark, F.E.S, ; Vice- 
President, Mr. J. W. Tutt, F.E.S. ; Curators, Messrs. Smith and Heasler ; 
Librarians, Messrs. Gurney and Cripps; Council, Dr. Buckell, Messrs. 
Boden, Phipos, Newbery and Hollis, F.KS. ; Secretaries, Messrs. 
Battley and Simes. 
Thursday^ December '^rd^ 1891. — Exhibits: — Mr. Boden, a specimen 
of Caiere 77 ina ierebrella^ taken some years ago at Boxhill. He stated 
that he had repeatedly worked the same ground, but no more were 
taken. With reference to the species, Mr. Tutt stated that it had been 
taken in certain localities on or near the Breck sands, and several 
other localities near, and that the larvae fed in the cones of the Scotch fir 
{Abies douglasii). Dr. Buckell, a bred series of Oporabia dilutata from 
Chingford and Hampshire. He pointed out that the distinctly banded 
