Auo., 1892. 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
191 
from the canal at Kingswood. Mr. A. H. Martiueau exhibited a 
small case of insects, including stag beetle, Lucanus Cervus; two 
species of wild bees, Andrena fulva and A. cineraria ; several moths, 
Agrotis lunigera , Cloantha Solidaginis , Selenia lunaria , Gilix spinula , 
Timandia amataria , and Stilbia anomala ; also a few species of 
Ichneumonidae, parasitic on Lepidoptera. Geological Section.— July 
19th. Mr. C. Pumphrey in the chair. Mr. C. J Watson exhibited a 
fine series of photographs taken daring the Irish excursion. 
BIRMINGHAM MICROSCOPISTS’ AND NATURALISTS’ 
UNION.—June 20th. Mr. Rolan exhibited specimens of Sphinx ligustri , 
from New Forest, and a collection of insects from Hagley, including 
Cynthia cardui, Colias edusa, and Smerinthus populi ; Mr. Hawkes, the 
aecidiospore stage of Puccinia coronata, and other microscopic fungi ; 
Mr. S. White, a specimen of Silene gallica , from Sutton Park ; Mr. 
J. W. Neville, a foreign wasp, Pelopceus fistularis. A paper was then 
read on “ Bird Life,” by Mr. C. Cardwell. The writer gave a few plain 
directions for keeping birds in captivity, so that good health and 
spirits may be preserved. The first part of the paper consisted of 
directions for the construction of an aviary on the most approved 
lines, with arrangements for adapting it to the wants of aquatic birds. 
The latter part dealt with the rearing of nestlings. Some curious 
observations were recorded showing a high degree of instinct observ¬ 
able in birds, and the ready way we were able to detect their notes of 
joy, fear, and anger. The latter part gave rise to considerable differ¬ 
ence of opinion.—June 27th. Mr, J. Moore exhibited specimens of 
Death-watch Beetle, also a series of photographs of molluscan 
palates; Mr. J. Madison, a deformed specimen of Unio tumidus; Mr. 
G. H. Corbett, fossils in pebbles from drift beds of Sutton Park ; Mr. 
J. Collins, the following mosses— Bartramia fontana, with male flowers, 
and Pottia truncata , with sporogonium and young archegonium.—July 
4th, Mr. J. W. Neville exhibited specimens of glow-worms, Lampyris 
noctiluca , and pointed out the chief distinguishing features of the 
sexes; Mr. J. H. Corbett, longitudinal and transverse sections of jaws 
of Ichthyosaurus ; Mr. J. Collins, a specimen of Habenaria conopsea, 
from Wyre Forest. Under the microscope, Mr. J. W. Neville, the 
illuminating organ of glow-worm. 
BIRMINGHAM ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—July 11th. 
Mr. G. H. Kenrick, Vice-President, in the chair. Mr. Wainwriglit 
showed for Mr. Wynn a specimen of Stauropus fagi, bred from a larva 
found at Wyre Forest last year; also a box containing some of Mr. 
Wynn’s captures made in Sherwood Forest during the late visit of the 
society, including tladena contigua, Acronycta leporina, Agrotis suffusa, 
etc. Mr. Kenrick also showed Sherwood captures ; also Aplecta herbida 
from Trench Woods, and a few Scotch insects, including a fine red 
variety of Smerinthus populi. Mr. P. W. Abbott showed a fine variety 
of Arctia caia from a larva reared on coltsfoot, three specimens of 
Stauropus fagi from Wyre Forest, and a nice series of Melanippe 
hastata from the same place. Mr. W. D. Spencer showed a bred 
specimen of Acronycta alni from near Rugby. Mr. C. J. Wain- 
wright showed diptera taken at Sherwood this year, also a few 
taken in 1889, including Xiphura atrata , etc. Mr. A. Johnson showed 
larvae of Antliocharis cavdamines found on pods of the white rocket, 
which they resemble very closely. Mr. R. C. Bradley showed his 
Sherwood diptera, and read a few notes upon them. They included two 
species of Criorhina , Jloccosa and ruficauda, and berberina was also 
taken by Mr. Wainwrigkt; also other nice syrphidae. and a few nice 
“ Daddies,” including one perhaps new to the British list. 
